Book Chapter: ELOM 4&5 recognised as reliable and fair assessment of ECD

Few tests used in the assessment of cognitive functioning in children and adults have been standardised for the diverse populations of Africa. With few exceptions, the majority of tools are standardised for populations in the USA, UK and Europe. Norms for African populations are lacking, standardised translations of test manuals in African languages are not available, and the metric equivalence of the tests in languages other than English and the European languages has not been established. As a result, the reliable assessment of cognitive functioning in both children and adults in Africa, and other regions of the Global South, presents many challenges.

The book Cross-Cultural Cognitive Test Norms, An Advanced Collation from Africa is the first to provide a collation of normative data for cognitive tests commonly used in Africa. It provides guides to the interpretation of test results, as well as a review of the clinical and research challenges involved in cross-cultural assessment.

The ELOM 4&5 Assessment Tool was recognised by the authors as the only South African test developed to ensure reliable and fair assessment of cognitive and related aspects of early child development in a country with a diverse population and multiple languages. The authors also recognised the ELOM as an example of good practice in test design and rigorous psychometric analysis appropriate to a cross-cultural context. We are proud to be part of this important project.

Cross-Cultural Cognitive Test Norms, An Advanced Collation from Africa is published by Inter-Ed and available for purchase here.