Investigation into the characteristics of children with motor difficulties: An holistic approach

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine a number of issues related to motor clumsiness in children. An approach which accommodated both a humanistic attitude to dealing with children and an holistic approach to dealing with research, was taken. The review of literature established the heterogeneous nature of clumsiness and that this relatively new field of study was characterised by diverse opinion. In order to gain a greater comprehension of the nature of the condition, it seemed reasonable to research more aspects of clumsiness than had been attempted before in a single study. This was adopted as the theme which formulated the basis of the research and upon which a number of research questions were generated. Seventeen children were assessed across a large range of characteristics and the data explored using qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis. An analysis, which reflected and reported both of these aspects, and would maximise the use of the data in answering the research questions, was seen as appropriate. To facilitate this, three methods of data analysis were employed. They were: a descriptive analysis that provided profiles of the children on various parameters; a cluster analysis of seventeen variables that identified important features of clumsy children and possible homogeneous groupings; and, three case studies which provided more detailed descriptions.