Concurrent Validity Data for the Uzgiris and Hunt Scales and the Bayley Mental Scale: Additional Evidence on the Dunst Age Norms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between individual and overall Estimated Developmental Ages (EDAs) calculated for the Uzgiris and Hunt Scales, as outlined in a clinical manual developed by Dunst, and Bayley mental age scores. Thirty-four infants with handicaps enrolled in early intervention programs served as the subjects. The results indicated that (a) there was a significant difference between overall EDAs and Bayley metal age, with Bayley estimates being on the average some 2.1 months higher; (b) the overall EDA and each of the seven individual EDAs were significantly and positively related to Bayley mental age; (c) when all seven EDAs were used in a multiple regression procedure, schemes for relating to objects (sensorimotor play) emerged as the best single correlate when the effects of the other scales were controlled; and (d) a commonality analysis revealed that schemes for relating to objects also explained the largest percentage of unique variance of Bayley mental scores. Recommendations of a test battery reflecting several approaches to the assessment of infants with handicaps are presented. · One pervasive issue facing professionals in the assessment of infants with known or suspected handicaps is the availability of appropriate assessment instruments or techniques.