A Factor Analytic Study of Responses to the Bayley Scales of Infant Development by a Disadvantaged Population

Abstract

Factor analysis of responses to the Bayley scores from 207 disadvantaged children of two age levels yielded 6 to 4 factors. Variance for the younger group (12 to 21 mo.) was mostly accounted for by comprehension of verbal and gestural communication. In both groups (including one 21 to 30 mo.) gross psychomotor ability emerged as an important contributor to variance. Data confirm the increasing differentiation of mental abilities with age (growth and experience).