Convergent and discriminant validity of trait and source effects in ADHD-inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity measures across a 3-month interval.
Confirmatory factor analysis was used to model a multitrait (ADHD-inattention and hyperactivity/ impulsivity) by multisource (teachers and parents) design across a 3-month interval in a sample of 360 Australian elementary school children. The purpose was to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of the ADHD-inattention (IN) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I) measures. Although similar traits and similar sources showed stronger correlations across time than dissimilar traits and dissimilar sources, the amount of source variance in the ADHD-IN and ADHD-H/I measures was substantial and consistent across the interval (M = 59%; range = 35-84%). This large amount of source variance raises the possibility that the correlations of the IN and H/I rating scales with other constructs (e.g., social competence, conduct problems) represent mostly source rather than trait effects. Multitrait by multisource analyses provide a means to answer this question and further advance understanding of ADHD.
Burns
G Leonard
GL
Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-4820, USA. glburns@mail.wsu.edu
Walsh
James A
JA
Gomez
Rapson
R
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D015995:Prevalence; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index