Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This study examined whether paragraph jigsaw puzzle (PJP) test can be used to measure structure building ability, the ability to construct cohesive mental representations. We developed a constructed‐response version of the PJP test and scored it with a string‐similarity algorithm that allows for partial credit. The present study explored whether this constructed‐response PJP test could serve as a valid and reliable tool for assessing structure building ability. Studies 1 and 2 examined validity, and Studies 3 and 4 examined reliability. Study 1 showed an acceptable correlation ( r = 0.65) between the scores from constructed‐response PJP and the scores from multi‐media comprehension battery. Study 2 used think‐aloud protocols and revealed that participants employed more structure‐focused strategies with the constructed‐response than with the multiple‐choice format. Study 3 demonstrated higher alternative‐form reliability for the constructed‐response format, and Study 4 replicated this finding. Taken together, our results suggest that the constructed‐response PJP test could serve as a new tool for measuring structure building ability.
Source: Applied Cognitive Psychology
DOI: 10.1002/acp.70162
Institution: Seoul National University
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W7119482546