Examination of Human Figure Drawings by Gifted and Normally Developed Children at Preschool Period

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the drawing stages and characteristics of 4-5 year old normally developing and gifted children. Childrens human figure drawings (HFD) were assessed accroding to Koppitz’s HFD criteria. The study sample included a total of 60 4 and 5 year old children, with 20 of them previously identified as gifted and the remaining 40 displaying normal development. The
results showed that gifted children, particularly girls, produced more developed and detailed drawings in both age groups, and that all 5 year olds produced both qualitatively and quantitatively more advanced drawings when compared to 4 year olds. Additionally, 4 year old gifted children, especially girls, had drawing skills almost equal to those of 5 year olds.