Two new formulas are offered for evaluating the abnormality of the difference between a subject's average score and one of the scores included in that average. The use of these formulas is illustrated with a portion of the standardization data for the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. Users of the formulas are cautioned that a difference that is abnormal in the statistical sense need not imply pathology.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Davis, F. B.Interpretation of differences among averages and individual test scores. Journal of Educational Psychology, 1959, 50, 162-170.
2.
Kaufman, A. S.Note on interpreting profiles of McCarthy Scale Indexes. Perceptual and Motor Skills. 1975, 41, 262.
3.
Kaufman, A. S., & Kaufman, N. L.Clinical evaluation of young children with the McCarthy Scales. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1977.
4.
McCarthy, D.Manual for the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. New York: Psychological Corporation, 1972.
5.
Naglieri, J. A.Interpreting the profile of McCarthy Scale Indexes. Psychology in the Schools, 1982, 19, 49-51.
6.
Payne, R. W., & Jones, H. G.Statistics for the investigation of individual cases. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1957, 13, 115-121.
7.
Silverstein, A. B.Reliability and abnormality of test score differences. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1981. 37, 392-394.
8.
Silverstein, A. B.Pattern analysis as simultaneous statistical inference. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1982, 50, 234-240.