Porteus Maze Test - Outcomes

Outcomes

Completion of the maze is marked by the subject’s arrival to the ending point. The participants score is calculated by summing errors that included bumping of lines within the maze, cutting the corners of the maze pathway, and lifting of the pen during the trial. Individual who oversee this test are to note also the time it took the subject to finish the test, as it is also a measure of criterion. Results of this test are determined with qualitative scoring, or Q scores. Subjects who scored high showed qualities related to intellectual dullness. High Q scores also relates to differences in verbal and performance intelligence. In social context individuals who received high Q scores on the Porteus Maze test are associated with truancy as well as delinquency as the test demonstrates sensitivity to the recognition of non-self controlled activity seen in both these areas. Calculations of the outcomes of this test provides a mental age score of the individual, which is calculated according to standard procedures. Results of this test are determined by two scores, a test quotas (TQ) assumed to measure nonverbal forethought and planning ability, and a qualitative (Q) score based upon the style and quality of test performance. The qualitative score is a measure of impulse control and has been demonstrated to differentiate between various groups differing in impulsiveness It was originally thought that a person's delinquent inclinations could be predicted by the relationship of the individuals TA and IQ, but upon closer review of literature it was seen that data does not support this view. Reanalysis of preceding studies shows that the Q score was specifically developed to recognize delinquents and seems to do so quite well. When the Q scores of delinquent and normal groups are compared, the differences are reliable and highly significant. Participants who are less inhibited, obstinate, and perseverative have had difficulty with each new presentation of the maze test, often they would repeat the identical incorrect route they had initially used, often saying they knew that the particular route was incorrect.As this test is strictly a nonverbal measure of performance and intellect it has been administered to groups of subjects who speak all languages, have certain handicaps, and also to individuals who had never used pencil before. In most cases their scores were very low. If the subjects are unversed with a response procedure, it is important to hold time for explaining procedures with the participant as part of the test introduction.