Validation of the Utrecht Tasks for Attention in Toddlers using Eye tracking (UTATE) in 18-month-old Children.

Abstract

Objective: In order to examine (developmental) constructs in young children, valid and reliable measures are needed. One of these constructs is attention. The Utrecht Tasks of Attention in Toddlers using Eye tracking (UTATE) have been developed for this purpose. The aim of this study was to examine the construct, concurrent and predictive validity of the instrument. Method: Correlations between the UTATE scales were examined with two attention measures and two related measures in a sample of 95 healthy 18-month-old children. Results: Construct validity was partially supported, since the UTATE was related to the other attention measures as well as fine motor skills. Concerning predictive validity, the UTATE was partially able to predict gross motor skills. Concurrent validity was not supported. Conclusion: This study found partial support for the construct and predictive validity of the UTATE. Further study is needed to compare the UTATE to more similar measures.