scholarly journals Development of the Mental Synthesis Evaluation Checklist (MSEC): A Parent-Report Tool for Mental Synthesis Ability Assessment in Children with Language Delay

Author(s):  
Julia Braverman ◽  
Rita Dunn ◽  
Andrey Vyshedskiy

Background: Mental synthesis is the conscious purposeful process of synthesizing a novel mental image from objects stored in memory. In our everyday use of language, we rely on mental synthesis to communicate an infinite number of images with a finite number of words. In typical children, the timeline of mental synthesis acquisition is highly correlated with an increasing vocabulary. Children with ASD, on the other hand, may learn hundreds of words but never acquire mental synthesis. In these individuals, tests assessing vocabulary comprehension may fail to demonstrate the profound deficit in mental synthesis and the resulting inability to understand flexible syntax and spatial prepositions. Objective: We developed a 20-question parent-reported evaluation tool designed to quantitatively assess mental synthesis ability and to serve as a complimentary scale for Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Results: Internal reliability was good (Cronbach’s alpha > .9), and the MSEC exhibited adequate test-retest reliability after a three- and nine-months follow up period. The MSEC results positively correlated with the ATEC communication subscale, providing support for construct validity. Moreover, MSEC scores were significantly different for children of different ASD severity levels confirming the known groups validity. Conclusions: This study represents the first step toward the development of an instrument to measure mental synthesis in children with ASD. Although the current empirical evaluation demonstrated strong evidence of excellent psychometric properties, such as validity and reliability, additional studies should be performed to replicate these findings.

GeroPsych ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-151
Author(s):  
Mahshid Foroughan ◽  
Zahra Jafari ◽  
Ida Ghaemmagham Farahani ◽  
Vahid Rashedi

Abstract. This study examines the psychometric properties of the IQCODE and its applicability in the Iranian elderly population. A group of 95 elderly patients with at least 4 years of formal education who fulfilled the criteria of DSM-IV-TR for dementia were examined by the MMSE and the AMTs. The Farsi version of the IQCODE was subsequently administered to their primary caregivers. Results showed a significant correlation ( p = .01) between the score of the questionnaire and the results of the MMSE ( r = −0.647) and AMTs ( r = −0.641). A high internal reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α = 0.927) and test-retest reliability by correlation coefficient ( r = 0.81). This study found that the IQCODE has acceptable psychometric properties and can be used for evaluating the cognitive state in the elderly population of Iran.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farzana Rabin ◽  
Jhunu Shamsun Nahar ◽  
Mohammad S. I. Mullick ◽  
Helal Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Nafia Farzana

<p>The aim of this study was to develop a culturally adapted and validated Bangla version of Zarit Burden Interview  (ZBI-B) questionnaire for use in Bangla speaking caregiver of patient with dementia. This study was conducted on 100 caregivers related to consecutively attending outpatients with a previously established primary diagnosis of dementia, according to DSM-IV criteria. Validity and reliability were evaluated by comparing with the caregiver burden inventory (CBI). An exploratory factor analysis with the principle component with varimax rotation was used to detect the factorial structure in observed measurements. To attain the best-fitting structure and the correct number of factors, the following criteria were used: Eigen values &gt;1.0, factor loadings &gt;0.30. The Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.847 for test and 0.839 retest. The intra-class correlation for the test-retest reliability was 0.89. The ZBI score was highly correlated with the CBI score (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r=0.909, P=.001). From the exploratory factor analysis six factors comprising 20 items were extracted with Eigen values higher than 1.00 accounting for 69% of the total item variance. In conclusion, ZBI-B is valid, reliable and useful for use in clinical contexts and in future studies that could lead to a better understanding of caregiver burden in dementia.</p>


Author(s):  
Elena Hoicka ◽  
Burcu Soy-Telli ◽  
Eloise Prouten ◽  
George Leckie ◽  
William J. Browne ◽  
...  

AbstractSocial cognition refers to a broad range of cognitive processes and skills that allow individuals to interact with and understand others, including a variety of skills from infancy through preschool and beyond, e.g., joint attention, imitation, and belief understanding. However, no measures examine socio-cognitive development from birth through preschool. Current test batteries and parent-report measures focus either on infancy, or toddlerhood through preschool (and beyond). We report six studies in which we developed and tested a new 21-item parent-report measure of social cognition targeting 0–47 months: the Early Social Cognition Inventory (ESCI). Study 1 (N = 295) revealed the ESCI has excellent internal reliability, and a two-factor structure capturing social cognition and age. Study 2 (N = 605) also showed excellent internal reliability and confirmed the two-factor structure. Study 3 (N = 84) found a medium correlation between the ESCI and a researcher-administered social cognition task battery. Study 4 (N = 46) found strong 1-month test–retest reliability. Study 5 found longitudinal stability (6 months: N = 140; 12 months: N = 39), and inter-observer reliability between parents (N = 36) was good, and children’s scores increased significantly over 6 and 12 months. Study 6 showed the ESCI was internally reliable within countries (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Trinidad and Tobago); parent ethnicity; parent education; and age groups from 4–39 months. ESCI scores positively correlated with household income (UK); children with siblings had higher scores; and Australian parents reported lower scores than American, British, and Canadian parents.


2002 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 1202-1218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy M. Wetherby ◽  
Lori Allen ◽  
Julie Cleary ◽  
Kary Kublin ◽  
Howard Goldstein

Three studies were conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the three measures of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS DP): (1) a one-page parent-report checklist; (2) a four-page followup caregiver questionnaire (CQ); and (3) a behavior sample (BS), which is a face-to-face evaluation of the child. Participants for these studies were drawn from a pool of 603 children for the checklist and CQ (ages 6–24 months) and 364 children for the BS (ages 12–24 months). Study 1 examined the concurrent relationship of standard scores for the checklist, CQ, and BS. Large correlations were found between the checklist and CQ and moderate to large correlations were found between each of the parent report tools and the BS. Study 2 examined test-retest stability by comparing the raw and standard scores over a 4-month retest interval. The results indicated significantly greater retest raw scores but no significant differences between standard scores from test to retest for the checklist, CQ and BS, providing evidence that the three measures detect growth over short periods but produce relatively stable rankings of children. Study 3 examined the concurrent and predictive relationship of the three CSBS DP measures and children's outcomes on standardized tests of receptive and expressive language at 2 years of age. Moderate to large correlations were found between all of the CSBS DP measures and language outcomes at 2 years of age. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the three composites were a significant predictor of receptive and expressive language outcomes. The findings from these three studies support the use of the CSBS DP as a screening and evaluation tool for identifying children with developmental delays at 12 to 24 months of age.


1999 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 482-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna J. Thal ◽  
Laureen O'Hanlon ◽  
Mary Clemmons ◽  
LaShon Fralin

Previous research has documented the validity of parent report for measuring vocabulary and grammar in typically developing toddlers. In this project, two studies examined the validity of parent report for measuring language in children with specific language delay who are older than the normative group, but who have language levels within the range measured by the instruments. In Study 1, scores on the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory: Words and Sentences were compared to behavioral measures of production of vocabulary and grammar in 39- to 49-month-old children with language delay. Results indicated moderately high to high concurrent validity correlations in both domains (.67–.86). In Study 2, scores on the MacArthur Communicative Inventory: Words and Gestures were compared to behavioral measures of vocabulary comprehension and production and gesture production in 24- to 32-month-old children with language delay. Results indicated a moderately high concurrent validity correlation for vocabulary production (.66). Parent report of comprehension and gesture scores did not correlate significantly with their behavioral counterparts, but gesture scores were moderately highly correlated with language comprehension (.65).


2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 727-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Roberts ◽  
Rosalyn Shute

Objective To develop a new instrument (the Craniofacial Experiences Questionnaire, CFEQ) to measure both stressors and positive aspects of living with a craniofacial condition from adolescent and parent perspectives, and to examine its validity and reliability. A secondary aim was to explore experiences reported according to age, gender, and diagnosis. Design Self-report and parent report questionnaires (CFEQ, Youth Self Report [YSR], Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL], Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale [BERS]) were completed by adolescents with congenital craniofacial conditions and their parents. Participants Fifty adolescents with craniofacial conditions and 55 of their parents. Results Internal reliability of the stressor and positive aspects scales was acceptable (.81 to .92) but was lower for some stressor subscales (.50–.86). Higher stressor scale scores were related to poorer adjustment (CBCL r = .55, YSR r = .37). There were no consistent differences in the stressful or positive experiences of young people with craniofacial conditions according to gender or age. There were no differences in stressors reported according to diagnosis. Conclusions The CFEQ shows promise as a clinical and research tool for investigating the stressors and positive experiences of young people with craniofacial conditions. Consistent with the literature on chronic pediatric conditions, there were few differences in experiences of young people according to diagnosis. Furthermore, the lack of gender or age differences supports the need for clinicians to comprehensively assess the experiences of young people regardless of demographic variables.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikiyas Amare Getu ◽  
Panpan Wang ◽  
Eva Johanna Kantelhardt ◽  
Edom Seife ◽  
Changying Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the EORTC QLQ-BR45 questionnaire.Methods This study included 248 breast cancer patients who completed the QLQ-BR45 and QLQ-C30 questionnaires. The internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and the content, concurrent, convergent, divergent, and clinical validity of the tool were examined. The statistical analyses included Cronbach’s α coefficient, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, standardised response mean residual (SRMR), comparative fit index (CFI), t-test, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Result All items were marked as relevant, and item-level content validity index (I-CVI) scores ranged from 0.83 to 1. The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.80 for all domains. All subscales met the minimal standards of reliability except the arm symptom scale (0.66). The test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.77 for all domains. Seven out of the 12 hypothesised scales showed positive correlations (r > 0.40) between the QLQ-BR45 and QLQ-C30 scales. Multitrait scaling analysis showed that the item-scale correlations exceeded the 0.40 criterion for item-convergent validity for 11 of the 12 hypothesised scales. The correlation coefficients between an item and its own subscale were significantly higher than with other subscales.Conclusion The EORTC QLQ-BR45 had good reliability and validity, and it can be used to measure the quality of life of breast cancer patients in Ethiopia.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borja Paredes ◽  
Maria Stavraki ◽  
Darío Díaz ◽  
Beatriz Gandarillas ◽  
Pablo Briñol

AbstractSelf-Monitoring (SM) is a concept that refers to individual differences in this orientation toward regulation of social behavior. The goal of the present research was to provide a Spanish adaptation of Snyder and Gangestad’s (1986) Revised SM Scale. After conducting an initial pilot study, results showed that the Spanish version of the scale had good internal reliability and adequate factor structure. In Study 1, analyses support a unidimensional structure of the scale (χ2/df = 2.64; GFI = .97; IFI = .97; TLI = .96; RMSEA = .06). In Study 2, the scale showed discriminant validity from other individual differences measures, such as Need for Cognition (r = 0.12 p = 0.14), Social Desirability (r = 0.06, p > .45) and Extraversion (r = 0.28 p = .001). In Study 3, the scale showed adequate test-retest reliability (r = 0.71, p < .001). Finally, using a paradigm of attitude-behavior consistenty, Study 4 showed that the validated scale also had good predictive validity (B = –0.819, p = .035).


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke J. Hearne ◽  
Damian P. Birney ◽  
Luca Cocchi ◽  
Jason B. Mattingley

Abstract. The Latin Square Task (LST) is a relational reasoning paradigm developed by Birney, Halford, and Andrews (2006) . Previous work has shown that the LST elicits typical reasoning complexity effects, such that increases in complexity are associated with decrements in task accuracy and increases in response times. Here we modified the LST for use in functional brain imaging experiments, in which presentation durations must be strictly controlled, and assessed its validity and reliability. Modifications included presenting the components within each trial serially, such that the reasoning and response periods were separated. In addition, the inspection time for each LST problem was constrained to five seconds. We replicated previous findings of higher error rates and slower response times with increasing relational complexity and observed relatively large effect sizes (η2p > 0.70, r > .50). Moreover, measures of internal consistency and test-retest reliability confirmed the stability of the LST within and across separate testing sessions. Interestingly, we found that limiting the inspection time for individual problems in the LST had little effect on accuracy relative to the unconstrained times used in previous work, a finding that is important for future brain imaging experiments aimed at investigating the neural correlates of relational reasoning.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-69
Author(s):  
Moh Fachri

Learning process is the most important part in education as an effort to mature learners, The success of the learning process becomes a benchmark achievement of learning objectives. To know the achievement of the success of learning objectives, it must be done evaluation / assessment. In particular the purpose of evaluation to determine the progress of learning outcomes of learners after following the learning, as well as to determine the level of effectiveness and efficiency of methods, strategies that teachers use in learning. Evaluation of learning has an important and strategic meaning in education, because the learning process becomes meaningful, as well as its evaluation results can be used as a basis to determine the next step, for teachers, principals, institutions, parents, and government. The importance of learning evaluation can be seen from the approach of the learning process, the characteristics of professional educators, and the institutional approach, but it can also be seen from its purpose, function and principles and the validity and reliability of its evaluation tool.


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