Abstract:

Investigates whether both quantitative and qualitative differences exist between the ability of 29 adults with vs 101 adults without mental retardation to perceive facial affect. The Test of Understanding of Facial Affect was developed using an item response theory (Rasch) analysis on Ss without mental retardation and administered to both groups. Cumulative score differences between the 2 groups were expected and found. The Rasch analysis uncovered a difference in the structure of the latent trait of understanding of facial affect between the 2 groups. In view of these qualitative differences, the argument is presented that quantitative differences in the 2 groups are irrelevant. Results suggest that qualitative differences may partially account for the traditionally limited scope of generalization and maintenance of treatment effects of social skills training with persons with mental retardation. ((c) 1997 APA/PsycINFO, all rights reserved)

Notes:

Using Smart Source Parsing Mar-Apr