Final answer:
The Test of Playfulness measures intrinsic motivation, internal control, suspension of reality, and framing, which are aspects of a child's playfulness reflective of their developmental stage of growing independence and cognitive abilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marty, an OT, is using the Test of Playfulness to assess certain aspects of a child's playfulness during unstructured play time. The correct answer to which aspects of playfulness are measured by the Test of Playfulness is: intrinsic motivation, internal control, suspension of reality, and framing.
Throughout the toddler years, children develop a sense of autonomy and exhibit a growing independence through the choices they make, which is reflected in their play. The Test of Playfulness captures this developmental stage by assessing their intrinsic motivation, which is a natural desire to engage in tasks and activities that are interesting and enjoyable. Internal control reflects the child's ability to initiate and regulate their own play activities, a skill evident as toddlers express their preferences and desires to do things by themselves, like choosing clothes or playing specific games.
The suspension of reality aspect evaluates whether the child is able to engage in make-believe or imaginative play, stepping beyond the constraints of the actual environment into a world of pretend—a clear sign of developing cognitive abilities. Last but not least, framing assesses how well a child is able to communicate to others that they are playing, often seen in their capacity to use language or non-verbal cues to signify that they are 'just pretending' or that a particular behaviour is part of play.
This four-faceted approach provides a comprehensive picture of playfulness, an essential component of childhood development, and is especially useful in working with children who have special needs, such as Nicole's hearing impairment. It allows Marty to understand how Nicole's play is evolving and the ways in which her environment and experiences can be shaped to promote her developmental progress.