KOPKI 4-6: Presentation and first validation of a parent questionnaire on cognitive processing in children aged 4 to 6 years

The questionnaire KOPKI 4-6 assesses cognitive processes in children aged 4 to 6 by parent ratings of the cognitive functions language, memory, visual-spatial competencies, general cognitive abilities, attention, and adaptive skills. It thus completes the diagnostic inventory on cognitive development in this age group. Norms were derived with regard to gender and age from a normative sample comprising 522 subjects. Internal consistency and split-half reliability were high. Significant correlations between KOPKI 4-6 scales and intelligence tests confirmed criterion validity (n = 154). Discriminant validity was analyzed by use of three clinical groups diagnosed with specific language delay, attention deficits or global developmental delay (n = 104). Multivariate ANOVA indicated significant differences between those clinical groups. We conclude that the KOPKI 4-6 is a practical instrument for assessing cognitive processes in preschool children and can provide additional information about individual strengths and weaknesses in parts of cognitive development.