A Comparison of Two Peer-Referenced Assessment Techniques with Parent and Teacher Ratings of Social Skills and Problem Behaviors

Abstract

The relationship of parent and teacher ratings of social skills and problem behaviors, using the Social Skills Rating System with two peer-referenced measures (the Peer Nomination Technique and the Pupil Evaluation Inventory), were examined with a sample of regular education fifth- and sixth-grade students. The differential magnitudes of parent and teacher ratings with sociometric reports were examined as indicators of convergent and discriminant validity. The relationships among scales of prosocial and problem behaviors were found to be logically consistent. Teacher ratings of social skills, problem behaviors, and academic competence showed moderate correlations with both peer measures. Parent ratings of social skills and problem behaviors were similarly related, but at somewhat lower magnitudes.