Differential Ability Scales (DAS-II)

The Differential Ability Scales (DAS-II) were developed as an evaluation tool for the cognitive ability and achievement of children.  Psychologists depend on the DAS-II to provide insight into the manner in which a child processes information, giving solutions to fix learning problems.

For testing, the participants from the ages of 2-6 or 11-1 years must respond to 63 multiple-choice items.  There are four different forms for the test:  Preschool, School-Age, Cognitive Battery, School Achievement.  Approximately 45-60 minutes is required for completion.

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Colin D. Elliott

Reliability and Validity

Reliability coefficient for the DAS are all reported very high – average 0.90 to 0.94 for Preschool Level and 0.95 for School Age Level.  A score of 0.79 to 0.94 is associated with the test-reliability, also very high.  The DAS scale has been correlated with the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Ability (MSCA) showing the highest ratings with the Verbal, Perceptual-Performance, or Qualitative scales in the DAS.  In addition, the WISC-R Full Scale IQ correlated highly with all the school age level subtests, specifically with the Verbal ability cluster.  The SB-IV also showed strong correlation for ages of 9 to 10.

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Pearson Assessments

Administration, Analysis and Reporting

Statistics Solutions consists of a team of professional methodologists and statisticians that can assist the student or professional researcher in administering the survey instrument, collecting the data, conducting the analyses and explaining the results.

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References

Braden, J. P. (1992).  The Differential Ability Scales and special education.  Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 10, 92-98.

Elliott, C. D. (1990).  Differential Ability Scales. San Antonio, TX:  The Psychological Corporatation.

Elliott, C. D. (1990).  The nature and structure of children’s abilities:  Evidence from the Differential Ability Scales.  Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 8, 376-390.

Elliott, C. D. (1990).  Differential Ability Scales. Introductory and technical handbook.  San Antonio, TX:  The Psychological Corporation. View

Dissertations and Journals

McIntosh, D.E. & Gridley, B. E.(1993).  Differential Ability Scales:  Profiles of Learning-Disabled Subtypes.  Psychology in the Schools, 30 (1), 11-24.

Elliott, C. D. (1990).  The nature and structure of children’s abilities:  Evidence from the Differential Ability Scales.  Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 8(3), 376-390.