Compare and Contrast Psychometric Properties of Tests
Compare and Contrast Psychometric Properties of Tests
Introduction
There are two different instruments for deficit disorders. We have the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scales for adolescents and that of children. Another instrument for attention deficit attention is the ADHD symptom checklist 4. The Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scales and v ADHD symptom checklist 4 are vital instruments used by physicians to test the presence of attention deficit disorder in adolescents and children. When evaluating these two instruments, there are psychometric properties that must address to, and they include reliability and validity. These psychometric properties are used to determine the effectiveness of the instruments. Apart from validity and reliability, time and cost are also vital properties that help in evaluating the above instruments. This essay will look at the above properties for the said instruments used for attention deficit disorder in children and adolescents.
Validity
Brown used different ways in validating his scales of measurements. In his validation, he made a record that indicated that the cluster score coefficients ranged from 0.63 to 0.84. This was not a big gap meaning that results for the scale were valid in any given situation. For the total score coefficients, the scales were tested and had a range of 0.81 to 0.96. In his comparison, Brown used results from similar previous diagnosed tests and the test subjects conducted by him. Apart from ADHD, Brown used other vital instruments in his test, which helped him develop valid results. Some of the instruments that he used were the Conner’s Rating Scales, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, and the Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklists. These instruments were helpful simply because they assisted Brown to make a comparison of his results and what were made earlier, (Brown, 2001).
Initial results of ADHD symptom checklist 4 gave positive correlation results as compared to the parent completed instruments. Comparing to Child Behavior Checklist, the ADHD had a high amount of positive results in his test. Instruments issued to the children had their correlation skewed simply because instead of using community or school samples, instruments were referred to the outpatient psychiatric clinic, (Gadow & Sprafkin, 1997).
Reliability
In testing for reliability in the instruments, Brown used simple method where he developed a test-retest method. The test-retest method was arranged in intervals that ranged from 1 week to 4 weeks. Test groups used for this method included children old enough to participate in self report activity, parents, and teachers. Each group developed a different result of coefficients, but they all ranged from 0.45 to 0.93. Results for the test method valid because the group that was used in a given week for the test-retest method. In determining reliability of the instrument, the ADHD symptom checklist, 4 was used in the test retest method. Intervals for the study ranged from 2 days to several weeks in order to develop results that were valid. Since tests were conducted from different groups, results varied based on the age group used for a given test. Another thing that made results different was the instrument used for a given testing group in a given week. Results were reduced in several parent completed test that made score read below 0.35, (Brown, 2001).
Generally, variances in such tests were developed due to factors such as geographical location, age groups, and the subject used in a given test. The mental measurement yearbook indicated that validity and reliability of the ADHD symptom checklist 4 were not high compared to other instruments. They had similar results for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, (Gadow & Sprafkin, 1997).
Cost and time
There are necessary factors such as time and cost required in the process of completing the test. Time is vital when working with children in order to complete the test as fast as possible. When making a test, it is unreasonable to expect concentration for a kid who is younger that one year in a set of questions. The ADJD symptom checklist is quicker in providing results simply because it takes 5 minutes or so. The brown instrument takes more time for it has a range of 10 to 20 minutes before results are developed. Cost wise, the brown, test costs at $ 52 and purchasing this instrument it would go up to $300 or even more, (Brown, 2001).
Conclusion
In testing for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, evidence shows that the ADHD symptom checklist and the Brown Scales for Children and Adolescents are adequate. Although Brown instrument takes more time and is costlier than other instruments, physicians prefer it because it offers different test options. The testing kit is suitable for teachers, parents, and age groups thus it helps develop different tests using the same instrument. In general, Brown scales for children and adolescents instrument is customizable compared to other instruments thus it is best for making tests for patients, (Gadow & Sprafkin, 1997).
Reference:
Brown, T. (2001). Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales for Children and Adolescents
Gadow, K. D., & Sprafkin, J. (1997). ADHD Symptom Checklist-4
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