Age-Equivalent Score Analysis Essay

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The article draws attention to the limitations of age-equivalent (AE) scores in reporting the result of norm-referenced tests. Using a group study and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary test-III (PPVT-III), Emily Maloney and Linda Larrivee have built a strong argument against the use of AE scores. They provide ample information about the limitations of AE scores, as well as results that speech-language pathologists should not continue to use age-equivalence scores in reporting results of norm-referenced testing. This article supports the argument that speech-language pathologists should not use AE scores in reporting results of norm-referenced testing. Age-equivalent scores are the age at which a given raw score is average The authors give many limitations of AE test scores. The first limitation is that AE scores do not take into consideration the range of normal performance whose scores fall into the average range. Age-equivalent scores instead represent the age that the raw score is average. The article goes on to say that the lack of consideration for a normal performance range can result in these scores giving a false standard of performance (Maloney & Larrivee 2007). Another limitation the article discusses is that AE scores promote typological thinking. Age-equivalent scores compare clients to the average of their age group, when in reality, there is no average. Another limitation is the lack of info provided about the examinee’s performance. One cannot assume that because two people have the same score that they responded the same way. This only means that they answered the …show more content…

Standard scores are a more appropriate way to report scores because they are standardized. They have a range at which an individual’s score could fall. There are many limitations the use of AE scores has and SLP’s should not continue to use them in reporting results of norm-referenced

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