Rating Scales and Objective Measures
Rating scales and objective measures of attention have been used to assess individuals with deficits of attention. Among the objective assessments, computerized tests that measure sustained attention and vigilance are the most popular for assessing ADHD, such as the Conners Continuous Performance Test (CPT) (Miranda et al., 2012). Among the rating scales, Dr. Conners’ scales have been widely used for decades in the assessment of children with ADHD and related conditions (Sparrow, 2010). I will proceed to describe the Conners 3 rating scale and the CPT 3.
One of the most recent rating scales is the Conners 3rd Edition (2008), which can be administered to children between the ages of six and eighteen years. This rating scale evaluates symptoms related to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention; also, it addresses oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Furthermore, it includes items that assess executive function, relationships with peers and family, aggression, and learning problems. In the addition, the Conners 3 includes parents, teachers, and self-reports. Thus, this rating scale takes into account the variability of symptoms in different environments.
According to Sparrow (2010), rating scales should not be the only source of assessment, a multimodal assessment that includes the perspectives of several informants in different settings should be considered. Sparrow emphasizes that rating scales are only one source among the many sources that should be used when conducting a diagnosis. For example, interviews, observations, and measures of skills and abilities are important sources of information too. Furthermore, Gualtieri and Johnson (2005) also emphasize that rating scales are an important tool of assessment, however, they highlight that rating scales are not objective measures. Moreover, the researchers argue that rating scales are likely to be influenced by the “halo” effects and that the raters’ responses may differ substantially in some cases. In consequence, rating scales should not be the only measure employed by clinicians; objective measures are an additional and appropriate source of assessment.
Among the objective measures, the CPT 3 is a computer-based test that evaluates attention deficits by measuring impulsivity, inattentiveness, vigilance, and sustained attention. It is a useful tool for diagnosing ADHD and other conditions characterized by deficits of attention. During the test, letters will appear on the screen, one by one, and the participant has to click the space bar every time he/she sees a later except for the letter X. Participants are encouraged to do the task as fast and accurately as they can.
In general, I think that it would be very helpful for clinicians to use both rating scales and objective measures of attention for a complete assessment of attention deficits.
