A Factor Analytic Study of the Adaptive Behavior Scale

Abstract

The measurement of adaptive behavior of mentally retarded individuals has received considerable and increasing attention since the early 1970s. A number of scales have been developed and among them the Adaptive Behavior Scale has been the subject of numerous studies. Because the scale is a lengthy instrument to administer (11/2 to 2 hr. for Parts I and II), its utility was in need of further assessment. Since Part II has inherent psychometric flaws, only Part I was examined to determine whether or not the instrument has two or more factors as previously reported. This study concludes that Part I of 10 domains measures a single factor which accounts for 91% of the total variance. Information ascertained from Domain I appears to be as clinically useful as administering the full scale (Domains II-X) for assessment.