Content-Interpretive-Developmental (CID)
Understanding the CID Method
The Content-Interpretive-Developmental (CID) method, or in free translation "Content-Interpretation-Development", is a method that was created as a result of research conducted at James Cook University in Australia. The research was conducted in order to find an efficient method for teachers to analyze children's drawings. The CID method is a powerful tool for analyzing children's drawings, allowing us to understand their thoughts, feelings, and experiences more deeply. By examining the content, interpretation, and developmental aspects of a drawing, we can gain important insights into the child's inner world.
Content Analysis
The content of the drawing refers to the elements that appear in the drawing and the way they are presented. For example, if the child drew a house, the analyst will examine the way the house is presented, the details included in it, and its location in the drawing.
Interpretation
The interpretation refers to the meaning of the elements in the drawing. For example, if the child drew a figure of a person, the analyst will try to understand what the figure represents according to the child.
Developmental Analysis
The last stage in the CID method is the analysis of the developmental aspects of the drawing. This involves examining the child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. Developmental analysis refers to the developmental stage of the child, as it is presented in the drawing. For example, if the child drew a figure of a person in a very detailed way, it could indicate a certain stage in the child's development, the more details there are, the closer it is to reality, the higher the developmental stage.
Putting It All Together
As mentioned, by combining the content, interpretation, and developmental aspects of a drawing and to make it easier for parents, educators, and professionals to understand the drawing more, we will use CID so we can get a deeper understanding of the child's inner world. This can be achieved by:
Understanding Content: What do children draw?
We will pay a lot of attention to the subjects, objects, and topics described which can offer important insights into the child's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Familiar Objects: Children often draw objects from their daily lives, such as houses, trees, animals, and family members. These familiar subjects serve as a reflection of their immediate environment and experiences.
- Symbolism: In addition to literal representations, children may also incorporate symbolic elements in their drawings. For example, a drawing of the sun may symbolize happiness or warmth in many cases also symbolizes the relationship with the mother, while stormy skies can represent sadness or conflict.
- Repetition and Variation: Pay attention to any patterns or motifs that recur in the child's drawings. Do they consistently draw certain objects or subjects? Are there variations in the way these elements are depicted? These patterns can offer clues about the child's areas of interest, concerns, and developmental stage.
### The Meaning of Imagination: What Do Children's Drawings Mean?
After we have identified the content of the drawings, the next step is to interpret the images and reveal the basic messages. Based on developmental psychology theories and empirical research, we can apply a variety of interpretive techniques to decipher children's drawings.
- Gestalt Principles: Gestalt principles of perception show that children's drawings reflect their innate tendency to organize visual stimuli into meaningful patterns. By analyzing elements such as proximity, similarity, and closure, we can gain insights into the child's cognitive processes and perceptual abilities.
- Symbolic Representation: Children often use symbolism to express complex emotions or concepts that may be difficult to express verbally. For example, a child who draws himself standing alone in the rain may be expressing feelings of loneliness or sadness.
- Emotional Expression: Pay attention to the emotional tone of the drawings. Are they mostly happy and cheerful, or do they contain elements of fear, anger, or sadness? Emotional themes can provide important clues about the child's inner world and psychological well-being.
### Uncovering Developmental Milestones: What Do Children's Drawings Reveal About Their Development?
Beyond their content and immediate interpretation, children's drawings also offer important insights into their cognitive, emotional, and social development. By analyzing the progression of their artwork over time, we can track developmental milestones and identify potential areas of growth and challenges.
- Developmental Stages: Children's drawings typically increase in complexity and sophistication as they mature. For example, children at the kindergarten age may start with simple scribbles and basic shapes, and gradually progress to more detailed and representational drawings as they refine their motor skills and cognitive abilities.
- Imaginative Play: Drawing is a form of imaginative play that allows children to explore and experiment with ideas, roles, and scenarios. Pay attention to the narrative elements and imaginative details in their drawings, as these can provide insights into their creativity and symbolic thinking.
- Social Interaction: Children's drawings also reflect their social interactions and relationships with others. For example, drawings of family members or friends may indicate attachment figures and social networks of the child, while depictions of conflict or cooperation can offer insights into their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Summary
Deciphering children's drawings is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a deep understanding of the CID method. By performing the steps described in this article, you can easily understand the secrets of children's drawings and gain important insights into their inner world.
This article was written by Koby Avraham (MA), a children's drawing analyst.
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