title: Is the matching familiar figures test a measure of cognitive style? A warning for users.
abstract: A probabilistic model of reflection-impulsivity as measured by the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) is presented and tested on 77 fourth graders. In testing the model two groups emerged, a random response group (n = 22) and a cognitive response group (n = 55), who use the evaluation process. Correlations among latencies, total errors, initial errors, school-scores, and IQs were compared for our total sample and the two groups. The correlation of MFFT latencies and errors disappeared for the random-response group and new correlations with errors appeared while the cognitive response group kept a statistically significant correlation of latencies with errors and no other error correlation was shown. This last group was classified by Kagan's median-split procedure showing that most reflective subjects kept their classification. Preliminary results suggest a reinterpretation of reflection-impulsivity literature, especially as related to the impulsive style.
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005260:Female; D005556:Form Perception; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics