The diagnostic accuracy and construct validity of the structured photographic expressive language test--preschool: second edition.
OBJECTIVE
In order to support evidence-based practice, this study served to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, convergent validity, and divergent validity of the Structured Photographic Expressive Language Test-Preschool: Second Edition (SPELT-P2; J. Dawson, J. A. Eyer, J. Fonkalsrud, 2005) in order to determine whether it can be used as a valid measure for identifying language impairment in preschoolers.


METHODS
The SPELT-P2 was administered to 54 children with typically developing language and 42 children with specific language impairment.


RESULTS
A discriminant analysis revealed good sensitivity (90.6%), good specificity (100%), and good positive and negative likelihood ratios, with a standard score cutoff point of 87 used to determine group membership. Analyses of convergent and divergent validity also supported use of the SPELT-P2 for identifying language impairment in preschoolers.


CONCLUSIONS
The empirical evidence supports use of the SPELT-P2 as a valid measure for correctly identifying the presence or absence of language impairment in 4- and 5-year-old preschool children.
P.O. Box 210071, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0071, USA.
Kathryn J
KJ
Greenslade
Elena
E
Plante
Rebecca
R
Vance
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007807:Language Tests; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013060:Speech