The Role of Symmetry in Pattern Reproduction by Zambian Children

Abstract

Twenty-four Zambian schoolchildren (mean age 11. 8) were required to reconstruct simple geometrical dot patterns which were exposed for as long as the Ss desired, but the reproduction of which could only begin ten seconds after the Ss' inspection. As many inspec tion periods as the Ss felt necessary were allowed. Five types of stimuli were used: symmetrical about the vertical axis, symmetrical about the horizontal axis, vertically repeated, horizontally repeated, and random. The only significant difference found was that in number of errors between the symmetrical about the vertical axis and vertic ally repeated stimuli. It is argued that the results obtained probably do not differ qualitatively from those obtained in studies in Western cultures.