Bildsequenzen

BildSequenzen (Bildfolgen) refer to sequences of static images that depict a temporal or causal progression. They are used to convey information without text and can serve as tools to assess visual sequence perception. In testing, BildSequenzen tasks typically present four to eight pictures in a row, with one frame missing or with several possible continuations. Test-takers must identify the missing frame or choose the most plausible continuation, revealing aspects of inductive reasoning, planning, and causal inference. Because they are largely nonverbal, BildSequenzen are widely used for individuals with limited language proficiency or diverse cultural backgrounds, although image content can introduce cultural bias.

Beyond testing, BildSequenzen are employed in education to teach narrative sequencing, comprehension of cause-and-effect relationships, and predictive reasoning. They also appear in media and instructional design as a means to convey a story or sequence through visual progression. Variants include missing-frame tasks, scrambled-panel reconstruction, and judgments of sequential coherence.

In research, BildSequenzen help study cognitive development across age groups and in clinical populations, contributing to understanding of executive function, working memory, and processing speed. They can be administered digitally or on paper, with adaptive item selection to calibrate difficulty.

Limitations include reliance on recognizable scenes, potential cultural bias, and susceptibility to guessing. Proper standardization and culturally balanced image sets are important for reliable interpretation.