If a child self-corrects their initial response on PS, how should you score?

The reasoning behind scoring only the intended response when a child self-corrects their initial answer on the Picture Scale (PS) is rooted in the understanding of cognitive and problem-solving processes. In this context, a child’s ability to self-correct demonstrates their capacity for self-monitoring and evaluation of their own thought processes.

When a child identifies an error and provides a revised answer, it reflects their understanding and learning rather than simply recalling information. This means that the initial response may not accurately represent the child’s current understanding or knowledge. By scoring only the intended response, you provide an accurate reflection of the child’s capabilities and insights at the moment of the self-correction.

This approach helps to gauge the child's true abilities, emphasizing the importance of responsiveness to feedback and adaptive thinking, which are significant indicators of cognitive development. Overall, scoring the intended response advocates for an assessment framework that values growth and accuracy in interpretation over static recall of information.