Scale development, normative, and parametric analyses of a preschool screening measure

Abstract

The Children's Behavior Form {CBF), a 28-item preschool developmental screening measure, is described. Analysis of CBF ratings for 570 children from 34 preschool settings reveal that the measure assesses three stable, orthogonal dimensions: aggressiveness, readiness to learn, and moodiness. Estimates of the CBF's internal consistency are quite acceptable. The relationship of CBF ratings to age, sex, race, and socioeconomic status (SES) were examined. Significant main effects were found for age and SES but not for sex. Observed race differences were accompanied by significant interactions. Discriminant analyses revealed that neither the CBF subscale nor total scale scores satisfactorily differentiated the scale development sample from a criterion sample of preschoolers enrolled in a special education program. When CBF item scores and individual demographic characteristics are used, however, discrimination between the groups improves markedly. The implications of these findings for the CBF's construct validity and use as a developmental screening measure are discussed.