An exploration of the relationship between retained primitive reflxes and concentration problems in learners assessed at a selected private practice in Windhoek, Namibia

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Date
2015
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Abstract
In this research a quantitative approach was employed to conduct a correlation study on the possible impact of retained primitive reflexes on concentration problems. Secondary data from existing client documents were used. These comprised the test scores of four of the cognitive processes included in the Cognitive Assessment System (Naglieri & Das, 1997a) – Planning, Attention, Simultaneous and Successive processes. The outcomes of an observation study indicating the presence of four retained primitive reflexes were also included. The sample consisted of 164 Namibian school-aged learners with concentration problems. No direct correlation between the retained primitive reflexes and concentration problems was found. Correlations between the different retained primitive reflexes were found and supported a gateway effect of earlier primitive reflexes, which led to the retention of those primitive reflexes following the earlier ones. This gateway effect was also found in a study by Taylor, Houghton and Chapman (2004). One of the irregular primitive reflexes (STNR) correlated with simultaneous processing problems, which again correlated with concentration problems. Associations of TLR, ATNR and STNR with concentration problems were also found when using Kruskal-Wallis analyses. More research is needed on the impact of retained primitive reflexes on other neurological soft signs and treatment options to improve those factors that influence concentration problems.
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A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Educational Psychology (Guidance and Counselling
Keywords
Retained primitive reflexes, Concentration problems, Namibia
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