A Study of Sixth Graders' Comprehension of Specially-Prepared Materials on Broad Social Conflicts

Abstract

A set of stories and an accompanying test was developed for the purpose of assessing sixth graders, comprehension of social conflict. The test, consisting of 125 multiple-choice items, was designed to measure six types of ability to comprehend with emphasis on the “higher mental processes.” The sample consisted of 481 sixth graders; and for comparative purposes, nine fifth-grade classrooms, seven seventh-grade groups, and seven ninth-grade classes. Seventy-nine percent of the sixth graders succeeded on half or better of the test items. Comprehension increased sharply from the fifth to the sixth grade, but only gradually above the sixth. In light of the successful reading and the generally high interest shown, the conclusion is that such materials could be a part of the sixth grade curriculum.