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Date of Graduation
Spring 5-7-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
Dena A. Pastor
Abstract
The present study investigated the dimensionality of the short version of Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-26) (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001) via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Designed to screen for autistic traits in a non-clinical adult population, the AQ-26 can potentially be a very useful tool both in research and practice. However, evidence pertaining to the structural validity of the AQ-26 is scarce and inconclusive. Competing factor structure models based on previous research were specified and tested using an American college student sample. None of the theoretically specified models provided adequate fit for the data and the focus of the analysis switched to exploring alternative models and analyzing misfit. Although the structural validity of the AQ-26 was not supported, suggestions for future instrument revisions were made based on the results. Additionally, two scoring schemes were deemed not interchangeable, and the implications of using them were discussed. In summary, the analyses indicated that the AQ-26 needs substantial revision before it can be used in research or practice.
Recommended Citation
Zilberberg, Anna, "Investigating the functionality of a self-report instrument to detect autistic traits in a non-clinical college population: Psychometric properties of the short version of autism-spectrum quotient (AQ-26)" (2010). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 403.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/403
