Factorial Analysis of Motor Co-ordination Variables for Third and Fourth Grade Girls

The problem of what factors are present in variables which have been used in the past to measure some phase of motor co-ordination was investigated further. Ninety-two third and fourth grade girls were used in this study. The multiple-group method of factoring was used to extract nine factors. Names were given to four of the factors: balancing objects, speed of change of direction of arms and hands, total body quick change of direction, and body balance. A fifth factor was tentatively identified as a vertical total body quick change of direction. Two of the factors (balancing objects and speed of change of direction of arms and hands) are similar to factors identified in a former study in which college women were used for the sample. Similarities and differences between the two studies were discussed. This comparison suggested that a different definition of motor co-ordination for different age levels should be considered.