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Introducing The SPEAK: A Scalable Computer-Adaptive Tool to Measure Knowledge of Early Human Development

Author

Listed:
  • Caroline Gaudreau
  • Dani Levine
  • John List
  • Dana Suskind

Abstract

Research shows responsive caregiving enhances children's brain development, with parental knowledge predicting positive behaviors and outcomes. However, knowledge varies widely across educational levels, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Despite evidence that this knowledge can be improved, no comprehensive metric exists for efficient assessment. We introduce SPEAK (Survey of Parent/Provider Expectations and Knowledge), a computer adaptive tool grounded in item-response theory that we created, to address this gap by measuring parental and educator knowledge across development domains with precision and speed. This paper details SPEAK's development, including domain construction, cognitive interviewing, expert review, psychometric calibration, and validity evidence. SPEAK offers a flexible, scalable solution for clinical, educational, research, and policy settings. By identifying knowledge gaps, it enables tailored interventions, supports professional development, and informs policy, ultimately improving parent-child interactions and child outcomes. Our tool bridges critical gaps in assessing child development knowledge, advancing research and cross sector collaboration to promote early childhood development worldwide.

Suggested Citation

  • Caroline Gaudreau & Dani Levine & John List & Dana Suskind, 2025. "Introducing The SPEAK: A Scalable Computer-Adaptive Tool to Measure Knowledge of Early Human Development," Artefactual Field Experiments 00827, The Field Experiments Website.
    • Handle: RePEc:feb:artefa:00827
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John A. List & Julie Pernaudet & Dana L. Suskind, 2021. "Shifting parental beliefs about child development to foster parental investments and improve school readiness outcomes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. John List, 2021. "The Voltage Effect in Behavioral Economics," Artefactual Field Experiments 00733, The Field Experiments Website.
    3. Omar Al-Ubaydli & John A. List & Dana Suskind, 2019. "The Science of Using Science: Towards an Understanding of the Threats to Scaling Experiments," NBER Working Papers 25848, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. John List, 2024. "Experimental Economics: Theory and Practice," Natural Field Experiments 00792, The Field Experiments Website.
    5. John A. List, 2024. "Optimally generate policy-based evidence before scaling," Nature, Nature, vol. 626(7999), pages 491-499, February.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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