Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 1991. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 20)

Karol Langstein: Type standards of gipsy schoolchildren in the Central Slovakian region

the contrary the children showing certain signs of retardation in their development may remain deeply below the average. As far as this phenomenon appears to be of a transient character the individual in the course of one or two years may reach the normal mean zone. If this normal zone has not been reached by the individual the deep analysis shows to be necessary. To delimitate the type standard zones we have elaborated tables for weight and for height respectively. These anthropological data were tabulated separately for boys and for girls. They were at the age of 7—15 (Table 2—5). With each mean value for weight and height respectively we have set out measures for conclusive déviation and the interval limited by X ± 0,67 Sx. This interval according to our calculation represents at the significance level p=0,01 normal values and the interval limited by X ± 3 (0,67 Sx) represents critical values. Type Standard zones for weight and height were assessed in the dependence upon the age. These zones represent specific developing means limited by above mentioned intervais. The interval limited by 2/3 déviation includes the zone indicating the values of individuals showing a normal development of weight and height respectively. The next zone limited by X + 3 (0,67 Sx) includes the below the average values, as well as the above the average values of individuals. These values are limited by extreme values in individual age catégories. On the basis of the results we obtained in the course of our investigation we have elaborated the type standard zones. These standard zones have been worked out in the relation to the weight and to the height of the children. This relation is has been presented in the form of developing curves (Figures 1—4). Founded on the results of our analvsis wi have postulated and set out the standards for somatic development of Gipsy school-children living in the area of the Central Slovakian region. We have come to the conclusion that the Gipsy school-children of today attain certain heights and weights sooner than did those of the same age 20 years ago. This phenomena may be ascribed to the phenomena of accélération or it may be just a discontinuance of earlier retardation reflecting the conditions prevailLng in times subsequent to World War II. Consequently, the generál improvement in the factors of environment and better nutrition the Gipsy school-children are given in our socialist country has found expression in the higher values of height and weight, as well as in more rapid growth and development of these children. 98