Background Interference Procedure and Discriminant Function Analysis in Predicting Clinically Determined Categories of Learning Disability

Abstract

There is a need to determine the extent to which the “Background Interference Procedure” as an adjunct to the Bender-Gestalt can account for criterion variance beyond that level predicted by an optimal battery. Discriminant functions empirically classified subjects into clinical categories of learning disability. A reduced battery of intellective and visual-motor predictors generated two significant functions, accounting for 91% of the variance. The first dimension reflected over-all intellectual functioning, the second, psychomotor skills. Empirical classification accurately categorized 71% of all subjects across five criterion groups. The functions efficiently separated the criteria, but the six Background Interference Procedure predictor variables did not improve prediction. Implications include using the Background Interference Procedure for early screening of learning disabilities and employing discriminant functions for data reduction and construct validation of teachers' and judges' ratings.