Hierarchical linear modeling in application: Gifted children's early intellectual performance.

摘要

The present study examined children's intellectual performance from ages 1 through 8 using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), or growth curve modeling. Gifted (n = 20) and nongifted (n = 87) children s individual growth trajectories as well as the influence of the home environment were examined. The original sample consisted of 130 children from the Fullerton Longitudinal Study. Measures included the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment. The results of the HLM analyses revealed that children's initial intellectual performance did not differ regardless of their giftedness status. The differences emerged significantly by age 1.5 and through age 2, and the gifted consistently scored higher than their nongifted cohort through preschool and middle childhood periods. Specific values for initial status and growth rate were obtained in each models tested that provided the more precise model-based fitted individual growth trajectory.