The accuracy of the Denver Ii Screening Test for children under two years of age

Thomas Alan Kapusnak, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Abstract

This archival study examined the accuracy of the Denver II Screening Test for children under two years of age. Accuracy was determined by comparing results from the records of eighty-two children on the Denver II Screening Test, to standards established by the American Psychological Association. These standards were: Specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value. Concurrent validity was established through the use of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. The results indicated that the Denver II Screening Test was accurate for children under two years of age, especially when using the more sensitive approach in detecting children by combining questionable results and abnormal results on each test. This study recommends using the more sensitive approach to reduce the risk of missing a child in need of early intervention.