Overview
The Test of Problem Solving– Elementary, Third Edition Normative Update (TOPS-3E:NU; Bowers, Huisingh, & LoGiudice, 2018) is an individually-administered, norm-referenced instrument that assesses the ability to integrate semantic and linguistic knowledge with reasoning ability by way of picture stimuli and verbal responses. It is for use with children 6 years to 12 years, 11 months. The TOPS-3E:NU focuses on a broad range of language-based thinking skills, including clarifying, analyzing, generating solutions, evaluating, and showing affective thinking. More specifically, this test measures discreet skills that form the foundation of language-based thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving ability. This is not a test of pragmatic or social language skills; however, it may be one source of data regarding pragmatic competence. In this Normative Update, characteristics of the normative sample were stratified by age relative to region, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. In addition, the Manual was reorganized and rewritten to increase information on administration, interpretation, and statistical characteristics of the test.
Summary
Age: 6 years 0 months to 12 years 11 months
Time to Administer: 35 minutes
Method of Administration: Individually administered, norm-referenced assessment of language-based thinking skills
Yields standard scores (M = 100, SD = 15), percentile ranks, and age equivalents
Subscales: Overall Composite: Problem Solving Index
Subtests: Making Inferences, Sequencing, Negative Questions, Problem Solving, Predicting, Determining Causes
Autism Related Research
None found.