Investigation of Inference Skill Development Levels in Children

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the inference skill levels of preschool children aged between 5 and 6 and their development within a six-month period. The study that was conducted with the survey model involved 91 preschool-level children. As the data collection tool, two equivalent Inference Achievement Tests were used. Based on Chikalanga’s inference types, the Inference Achievement Tests each consisted of 14 open-ended questions. During the data collection process, participants were interviewed face-to-face with questions in the tests. The second achievement test was administered under the same conditions after six months. Responses of participants were recorded to be analyzed by two scholars. Answers were transferred to the statistical software after coding them as true or false, and the data were examined in relation to research questions. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that participants were successful at making inferences and that they showed statistically significant improvement in the six months. Based on the findings, it was suggested that children's inference skill levels must be considered in preschool comprehension activities.