Object-recognition tasks: comparing paper versions to computerized laboratory methods

This study attempts to generalize Biederman's 1987 findings regarding Recognition by Components theory, which were obtained using a computer administered object-recognition task, to an analog or paper task that is consistent with typical assessment or testing procedures. Three versions of an object-recognition task were developed after the Structure of Intellect-Learning Abilities Test by Meeker, Meeker, and Roid. One version contained randomly fragmented objects, one contained objects with vertices present, and the third contained objects with midsegments. 30 participants were administered each of the three versions in a counterbalanced order. The results are consistent with those of Biederman. Objects with missing vertices were more difficult to recognize than objects with missing midsegments. There was no difference between randomly fragmented objects and those with vertices present. Implications for object-recognition research and test-item development are discussed. In particular, it is suggested that perceptual theories should be used in developing test items to gain greater control in creating items of appropriate difficulty and to increase the validity of the overall instrument.