Local Norming and Validation of an Adaptive Behavior Screening Instrument

Local norming data from the Brief Index of Adaptive Behavior (BIAB) are presented (Study 1), as are construct and concurrent validity data (Studies 1, 2, and 3). Participants were 430 children, 330 of whom were randomly selected within certain strata from one southeastern state. Factor analytic results from Study I yielded an easily interpreted three-factor solution, which accounts for 52% of the variance and corresponds to the three domains from the BIAB. Conventional item analysis techniques yielded significant item-domain (.66 to.87) and item-total (.64 to.79) coefficients. Reliability indices ranged from.93 to.97. Modest correlations emerged from comparisons of the BIAB to AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Edition, ranging from.25 to.55. Stronger correlations were obtained from comparisons of the BIAB to the new Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-Classroom Edition, ranging from.64 to.71 for like-named domains. Because the BIAB is conveniently administered and scored, and is particularly amenable to collection of local norms, it is recommended for use as a screening test. Also, collection of local norms for the BIAB is recommended.