Simple raisin test can predict a child's attention and learning capacity, researchers reveal

Among scientific studies in children, the marshmallow test has become one of the best-known experiments to examine one’s self-control and emotional intelligence quotient.

Now, a similarly simple test using a raisin can predict how well a toddler will perform academically at age eight, according to a new study conducted at the University of Warwick.

Using just the piece of dried fruit and a plastic cup, the team of researchers devised a test based on how long a 20-month-old child can wait to pick up a raisin in front of them. The researchers found that those who were born very prematurely were more likely to take the raisin before the allotted time, showing a lower inhibitory control. These children are more likely to have poor attention skills and low academic achievement at eight years old, according to the team.

“An easy, five-minute raisin game task represents a promising new tool for follow-up assessments to predict attention regulation and learning in preterm and term born children. The results also point to potential innovative avenues to early intervention after preterm birth,” said the study’s senior author, Professor Dieter Wolke, who is based at the University of Warwick's Department of Psychology and at Warwick Medical School.

For the study, the researchers used data that were collected as part of the prospective Bavarian Longitudinal Study, which began in Germany in 1985. In the research, 558 children born at 25 to 41 weeks gestation were assessed for self-control once they were 20 months old. The results of those born preterm 25 to 38 weeks were compared with those born a healthy full term between 39 to 41 weeks.

The toddlers were given a raisin that was placed under an opaque cup within easy reach. After three training runs, they were asked to wait until being told that they could touch and eat the raisin, which took approximately a minute.

At around age eight, the same children were evaluated by a team of psychologists and pediatricians using three different behaviour ratings of attention from mothers, psychologists and the whole research team. Academic achievement, including mathematics, reading and spelling/writing, was assessed utilising standardised tests.

The academics believe that being able to identify cognitive problems early on could result in the development of specialist, tailored education to help prevent children from underachieving in school and later on as adults.

In September 2015, Wolke led a related study that links preterm birth with low wages. His team found that those who were born prematurely have decreased intelligence and reading and mathematical ability, which have an effect on earnings into adulthood. The study is important because it could be used to raise awareness on the need for extra support at school for children who were born pre-term, said Wolke.

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