Children's recognition of pictorial signs and symbols. Issue 6 (3rd June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ahmad, Jamal; Al-Zboon, Eman; Dababneh, Kholoud
• Is Part Of: Early child development and care. Volume 188:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 679
• Page End: 690
• Publication Date: 2018-06-03
• Subjects: Environmental print -- visual signs -- symbols -- preschool child -- Jordan; Child development -- Periodicals; Children -- Services for -- Periodicals; 155.405
• DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2016.1227804
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-4430

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to examine children's recognition of common signs. A group of 449 children ages 4–5 years old were recruited from preschools in three Jordanian cities. The children were presented with a collection of common signs found in public spaces and asked to identify the sign's meaning. Results revealed a low frequency of correctly recognising a sign's meaning, as reflected in the total score. Signs were categorised as guided, warning, or public. Results showed that the most frequently identified signs were guided signs, with the mosque sign in particular being mostly often correctly identified. Results also showed that the least recognised sign was the elevator sign. Additionally, findings revealed that sign recognition differed significantly depending on the child's gender, age, and location. The results of this study highlight the lack of knowledge children have about common public signs.