The role of developmental and contextual factors in predicting children's use of a visual analogue scale

Our goal was to determine if age, combined with estimated IQ, is all accurate predictor of a child's successful use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) in a nonclinical situation versus an acute, clinically emergent situation. For children 5 to 11 years old, we found that the VAS is used most accurately in a nonclinical environment by children 7 years of age and older who can perform a seriation task. Estimated IQ and correct performance of a seriation task were the best predictors of 5- and 6-year-old children's ability to use a VAS.