Factor Structure of Attention Capacities Measured With Eye-Tracking Tasks in 18-Month-Old Toddlers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Attention capacities are critical for adaptive functioning and development. Reliable assessment measures are needed for the study of attention capacities in early childhood. In the current study, we investigated the factor structure of the Utrecht Tasks of Attention in Toddlers Using Eye-tracking (UTATE) test battery that assesses attention capacities in 18-month-old toddlers with eye-tracking techniques. METHOD: The factor structure of 13 measures of attention capacities, based on four eye-tracking tasks, was investigated in a sample of 95 healthy toddlers (18 months of age) using confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that a three-factor model best fitted the data. The latent constructs reflected an orienting, alerting, and executive attention system. CONCLUSION: This study showed support for a three-factor model of attention capacities in 18-month-old toddlers. Further study is needed to investigate whether the model can also be used with children at risk of attention problems.