Testing with kids – differences to adults

Testing with kids – differences to adults Ben Weedon & Mark Brady

1. Age range is not the same as intelligence • 8 – 12 encompasses a range of developmental changes • 8 year olds can be more articulate than 12 year olds • A lot of the following are just guidelines • No hard and fast rules in this age group

2. Attention spans are naturally shorter • 90 min max for 8 – 10 • Any longer and it’s hard to distinguish between boredom and general fatigue

3. Kids are more willing to please • They can be overwhelmed by the situation • It’s cool • They’re in a lab • They’re testing a game! • Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed • If you ask them a question, they may want to keep you happy.

4. Kids find it harder to mask their behaviour • Keep your eyes on their body language • It’s a great way of understanding what they really think • Record everything

5. Group structure has an effect on them • Friendship pairs on their own can lead to some great insightful dialogue • Friendship pairs in larger groups can lead to cliques and competition • Although good for online trading games • Individuals in groups >= 6 can work well • They get their heads down • But over a longer period of time can start to chat, confer, swap tips • With larger groups, need more moderators – toilet breaks, drinks, etc. • Individuals on their own is difficult • It can be overwhelming, and they can be shy

6. Need to maintain an air of discipline • But at the same time, keep them relaxed • And treat them like adults • A lot of the time, they really want to help • Good to work with parents throughout • Explain what’s expected of them throughout with parents there

7. Questionnaires often need support • Working with parents • Ask parents to come into the lab at the start and the end • Helps keep parents relaxed • Helps kids to answer questions

Testing with kids – differences to adults