title: Improving the reliability of a Maladaptive Behavior Scale.
abstract: A methodology was described for operationalizing the terms occasionally and frequently on the Maladaptive Behavior Scale (MacDonald & Barton, 1986), previously developed by modifying Part II of the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale. The modal ratings obtained from staff members of 28 rehabilitation agencies were used to define numerically these terms on a revised scale; interrater reliability and item-by-item agreement were slightly greater for the revised scale. On the basis of these findings and raters' comments, it is suggested that a similar methodology might increase the reliability and usefulness of the ABS, Part II.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Services, Edmonton, Alberto, Canada.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: MacDonald
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*