Thirty language and articulation tests developed for use with preschool children were reviewed using ten psychometric criteria appropriate to norm-referenced tests. Half of the reviewed tests met no more than two criteria, and only three tests met over four criteria. Most frequently unmet criteria were those requiring empirical evidence of validity and reliability. Implications are drawn regarding the current status of norm-referenced language and articulation tests for preschool children.
The purposes of this paper are to discuss concepts that are fundamental to proper use of norm-referenced tests in clinical assessment, to consider common errors in the use of such tests, and to suggest alternatives to norm-referenced testing for certain assessment purposes. A hypothetical client is used to illustrate the following errors: the use of age-equivalent scores as the sole summary of test results, the use of individual items to formulate therapy objectives, and the failure to consider the possible effects of measurement error when difference scores are used to assess progress or to examine patterns of impairment.
Insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of OMEs to produce effects on speech was found in the research literature. Discussion is largely confined to a consideration of the need for more well-designed studies using well-described participant groups and alternative bases for evidence-based practice.
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