Factor Analysis of the Revised ITPA with Underachieving Children

Abstract

This research attempted to determine whether factor analysis of the 12 ITPA subtest scores earned by 90 underachieving children would support the dimensions of psycholinguistic processes, levels of organization, and channels of communication as described in the clinical model of the instrument. Five factors emerged from the analysis. There was no support for the processes of reception and association, but expression was substantially upheld. Neither automatic nor representational levels of organization emerged as separate entities. Two of the five factors were largely visual-motor and three were auditory-vocal, giving considerable support to the dimension of channels of communication. These findings do not support the notion of 10 single abilities and therefore have definite implications for intervention and remediation programs based on ITPA subtest profiles.