Empirically derived cognitive processing subtypes of speech-impaired preschoolers: K-ABC subtest cluster analysis and external validation of derived subtypes

Boneh G Avidor, Pace University

Abstract

This study examined the clinical interpretation of the K-ABC by developing empirically derived subgroups of speech impaired preschoolers' performance patterns on the subtests of the K-ABC. K-ABC subtest scores were obtained from 120 three and four year old children classified as speech impaired by committees on preschool special education. The test data were first subjected to Ward's method of hierarchical cluster analysis, examining the agglomeration schedule to determine the number of clusters. The five cluster solution obtained was selected. A K-means cluster analysis was conducted, using the cluster means derived from the five cluster solution. The patterns of scores on subtests of cognitive ability were clinically evaluated, resulting in five subtypes of cognitive performance. One way ANOVA's resulted in significant differences between the members of the five clusters on each of the seven measures of external validity. Post-Hoc analyses with the Scheffe statistic were conducted. Significant differences were found between the members of the five clusters on each of the seven measures of external validity. However, after accounting for the effect of overall cognitive ability by means of an ANCOVA with the K-ABC Test Composite as the covariate, significant F ratios were obtained only for the Word Classes subtest. The differences found between clusters and performance on the language measures were explained more by the level of cognitive abilities than by the pattern of abilities in each cluster.

Subject Area

Educational psychology|Educational evaluation|Developmental psychology|Cognitive therapy|Preschool education

Recommended Citation

Avidor, Boneh G, "Empirically derived cognitive processing subtypes of speech-impaired preschoolers: K-ABC subtest cluster analysis and external validation of derived subtypes" (1996). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI9627278.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI9627278

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