Reflexivity-impulsivity as a continuous dimension: Validation of the Satkind and Wright's (1977) system for its classification

The validation of the Salkind and Wright's (1977) system for the classifica tion of reflexivity-impulsivity was carried out. The Spanish adaptation of the Matching Familiar Figures Test-20 for the evaluation of reflexivity-imp ulsivity (Buela-Casal, Carretero-Dios, De los Santos-Roig & Bermudez 2000b) was applied to a total of 304 participants, 8 to 11 years old. In order to classify a child as impulsive or as reflexive, traditionally a division sy stem by the medium level had been used: a child is classified in relation t o his/her position above or below the medium level of the reference group, in errors and latencies. In this way four groups were obtained: reflexive ( above in latency and below in errors), impulsive (above in errors and below in latency) and low-unaccurate and fast-accurate. The Salkind and Wright's system allows to give a continuous score in style (reflexivity-impulsivity ) and competence (efficiency-inefficiency), without having to classify the children in oppossing categories. A series of suppositions concernig the co rrespondence of both classificatory systems are presented. If they are acco mplished, the conclusion support the Salking and Wright's system. The prese nt study presented confirms these suppositions.