The Development and Use of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Observational Rating Scale: Factor Analysis and a Preliminary Investigation of Predictive Validity

Abstract

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder- Observational Rating Scale (ADHD-ORS; Deutscher & Fewell, 1996) was developed and used to rate 702 videotapes of 30-month-old, premature, low-birthweight toddlers born at eight medical schools across the nation. Coders were trained to score the 12-item scale according to specific criteria for each of 5 points on the Likert scale. Scores were sub jected to a principal components factor analy sis with varimax and promax rotations. The results support three factors that closely match the three main attributes of the disorder. These factors were identified as inattention, overactivity, and impulsivity. Six-month predic tive validity with selected items from the Child Behavior Checklist was also determined. Implications for use in preschool settings and directions for future research are considered.

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