title: Psychometric Properties of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient for Assessing Low and High Levels of Autistic Traits in College Students.
abstract: The current study systematically investigated the effects of scoring and categorization methods on the psychometric properties of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. Four hundred and three college students completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient at least once. Total scores on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient had acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability using a binary or Likert scoring method, but the results were more varied for the subscales. Overall, Likert scoring yielded higher internal consistency and test-retest reliability than binary scoring. However, agreement in categorization of low and high autistic traits was poor over time (except for a median split on Likert scores). The results support using Likert scoring and administering the Autism-Spectrum Quotient at the same time as the task of interest with neurotypical participants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ursinus College, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA. jstevenson@ursinus.edu.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3896-461X
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Stevenson
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Computer, The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Kari R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Hart
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000592:standards*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Autism-Spectrum Quotient; Autistic traits; Internal consistency; Scoring method; Subscale scores; Test–retest reliability