The WISC-R and Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-2: a Comparative Study

Abstract

Published in 1985, the Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-2, (DTLA-2) is used widely in schools with students who are experiencing learning prob lems. This study investigated the relationship of the DTLA-2 to the WISC-R with a sample of referred students. Correlation coefficients between the three subscales of the WISC-R and the overall score of the DTLA-2 were high; however, a sig nificant difference between means for those scores also was found. Significant differences between DTLA-2 composite scores for attention and motor skills also were found with this group, a finding that the authors interpret as accurately describ ing the sample. Practitioners are cautioned against using the DTLA-2 overall score as the sole criterion for special education placement until fur ther research can be conducted. While additional studies also are needed to establish the reliability and validity of the composites, the DTLA-2 ap pears promising as an instrument for assessing in traindividual differences.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Anastasi, A. (1938). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude. In O. K. Buros (Ed.), The 1938 mental measurements yearbook (pp. 108-109). Highland Park, NJ: Gryphon Press.

Baker, H.J. , & Leland, B. (1967). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude. Examiner's Handbook. Indianapolis, IN: Bobbs-Merrill.

Bortner, M. (1985). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised . In J. V. Mitchell (Ed.), The ninth mental measurements yearbook (pp. 1713-1714). Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.

Detterman, D.K. (1985). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised . In J. V. Mitchell (Ed.), The ninth mental measurements yearbook (pp. 1715-1716). Lincoln : University of Nebraska Press.

Dunn, L.M. (1959). The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test . Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.

Hammill, D.D. (1985). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude-2 . Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

Lubin, B. , Larsen, R.M. , & Matarazzo, J.D. (1984). Patterns of psychological test usage in the U.S.: 1935-82. American Psychologist , 39, 451-454.

Mann, L. (1979). On the trail of process. New York: Grune & Stratton.

Putnam, L.R. (1986). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude. Journal of Reading, 30, 52-55.

10.

Silverstein, A.B. (1978). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude. In O. K. Buros (Ed.), The eighth mental measurements yearbook (pp. 214-215). Highland Park, NJ: Gryphon Press.

11.

Statview 512. (1986). Calabasas, CA: Brainpower.

12.

Stehouwer, R.S. (1985). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude. In D. J. Keyser & R. C. Sweetland (Eds.), Test critiques . Kansas City: Test Corporation of America.

13.

Texas Education Agency. (1985). State board of education rules for handicapped students. Austin: Texas Education Agency, Publications Distribution Office.

14.

Wechsler, D. (1949). Manual for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. San Antonio: Psychological Corporation.

15.

Wechsler, D. (1974). Manual for the Wechsler Intelligence Scalefor Children-Revised. San Antonio : Psychological Corporation.

16.

Wells, F.L. (1949). Detroit Tests of Learning Aptitude. In O. K. Buros (Ed.), The third mental measurements yearbook (p. 356). Highland Park, NJ: Gryphon Press.

17.

Witt, J.C. , & Greshman, F.M. (1985). Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. In J. V. Mitchell (Ed.), The ninth mental measurements yearbook (pp. 1716-1718). Lincoln : University of Nebrasak Press.