Description

The What Happens Next Game Test (WHNG) is a semi-structured assessment tool designed to evaluate the ability of preschool children aged 4–6 years to generate alternative consequences and possible solutions in interpersonal problem situations.

The scale examines children’s ability to anticipate what may happen after a social interaction or conflict and to produce different possible outcomes based on alternative actions. It focuses on aspects of social cognition, problem-solving ability, and understanding of interpersonal situations.

The assessment is conducted individually and uses illustrated scenarios depicting children involved in interpersonal conflicts. The researcher presents hypothetical situations orally, asks the child to predict possible outcomes, and records the child’s responses accurately.

Objective

The main objective of the WHNG is to measure children’s ability to identify and generate alternative consequences in interpersonal problems.

The scale aims to evaluate the child’s capacity to:

understand social situations,

predict possible outcomes of actions,

consider alternative behavioural responses,

develop flexible ways of thinking in interpersonal conflicts.

This ability is considered an important indicator of social and cognitive development during preschool years.

Structure and Administration

The WHNG includes hypothetical interpersonal problem situations presented through visual material depicting children in conflict situations.

During the assessment procedure:

The researcher describes the problem scenario to the child.

The child is asked to predict what could happen next.

All responses are recorded in detail.

In the second problem situation, the child is asked to predict possible consequences when alternative actions are introduced.

The procedure is semi-structured, individually administered, and requires approximately 25 minutes for completion.

Scoring Method

The scoring of the WHNG is based on the number and type of alternative consequences generated by the child.

Children’s responses are classified according to whether they represent:

positive consequences,

negative consequences,

different alternative outcomes following specific actions.

A higher number of alternative consequences indicates greater flexibility in social problem-solving and more advanced social-cognitive functioning.

Data Analysis and Use

The WHNG provides qualitative and quantitative information regarding children’s social reasoning and ability to anticipate consequences.

Data analysis is based on:

the total number of alternative consequences produced,

the variety of responses provided,

the quality and direction of predicted outcomes.

The scale can be used to examine differences in social cognition between children, evaluate developmental changes, and assess the effectiveness of educational or psychosocial interventions targeting interpersonal skills.

Validity

The WHNG is based on a standardized assessment procedure and has been used both internationally and in Greece.

Its conceptual validity is supported through research applications examining children’s social problem-solving abilities and the development of alternative thinking in interpersonal situations.

Reliability

Although specific reliability coefficients are not provided in the available documentation, the structured administration procedure, the use of standardized scenarios, and the accurate recording of children’s responses support satisfactory reliability in research applications.

Applications

The WHNG can be applied in developmental psychology, preschool education, social skills assessment, and programmes aiming to promote children’s emotional and social development.

It is particularly useful for studying children’s ability to manage interpersonal conflicts, understand consequences of behaviour, and develop adaptive social strategies.

References

Shure, M. (1992). What Happens Next Game Test. Hahnemann University, USA.

Χιου, Β., Ζήση, Α., Ξανθάκου, Γ., & Καΐλα, Μ. (2005). Προαγωγή Ψυχικής Υγείας: Παρέμβαση σε παιδιά προσχολικής ηλικίας. Στο Ζήση, Α., Πολεμικός, Μ. & Καΐλα, Μ. (Επιμ.), Ψυχική Υγεία (σσ. 124–149). Αθήνα: Ατραπός.