A Rasch Measurement Analysis of an Adaptive Skills Survey for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

• In Event: Measurement and Validity Issues in Survey Research

Abstract

A private, residential school for individuals with intellectual disabilities in central Kentucky utilizes an adaptive skills survey as part of their student application process. The adaptive skills survey is created to measure a person's conceptual skills, social skills, and practical life skills. Utilizing the Rasch rating scale model, the survey underwent a psychometric review. Unidimensionality was supported and reliability found to be stable. The majority of respondents scored very high on the survey. Findings support the addition of more items to provide more variation and separation among respondents. Overall, the survey seems to be a valid assessment of a person's adaptive skills in this setting.

Author

• Shelley C Sellwood-Davis, University of Kentucky