Learning Disability Classification by Bayesian Aggregation of Test Results

Abstract

The feasibility of the Bayesian approach to screening for learning disability proposed by Wissink, Kass, and Ferrell (1975) is further explored. Two matched groups of children, one with and one without learning disability, were given tests related to component disabilities previously identified as being diagnostic. The probability that each child has learning disability was calculated from the test results according to the Bayesian procedure and on that basis the children were reclassified. The Bayesian method compared favorably with discriminant analysis in accuracy and is more easily applied to screening. Moreover, the lack of independence in the data did not seriously affect the results. It is concluded that the method warrants further study.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Ammons, R.B. , and Ammons, C.H. : The Quick Test: Provisional Manual. Psychol. Rep., 1962, Monogr. Suppl. 1-VII, 111–161.

Arthur, G. : A Point Scale of Performance Tests: Vol. I, Clinical Manual. Chicago: Stoelting, 1943.

Burington, R.S. , and May, C.M. : Handbook of Probability and Statistics with Tables. New York: McGrawHill, 1970.

DeRuiter, J. A.: A Bayesian approach to the use of test data for the identification of learning disability in school age children. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Univ. of Ariz., 1973.

Gates, A.I. , and MacGinitie, W.H. : Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests: Technical Manual. New York: Teachers College Press, 1965.

Gates, A.I. , and McKillop, A.S. : Gates-McKillop Reading Diagnostic Tests. New York: Teachers College Press, 1962.

Hahn, G. J. , and Shapiro, S.S. : Statistical Models in Engineering. New York: Wiley, 1967.

Kass, C.E.: Theories of learning disability. Unpublished class notes, Dept. of Special Education, Univ. of Ariz., 1970–1973.

Lichtenstein, S. : Conditional non-independence of data in a practical Bayesian decision task, Org. Behav. Hum. Perform. 1972, 8, 21–25.

10.

Monroe, M. : Children Who Cannot Read. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press, 1932.

11.

Myklebust, R. : Development and Disorders of Written Language: Picture Story Language Test. New York: Grune & Stratton, 1965.

12.

Thurstone, L.L. , and Thurstone, T.G. : Primary Mental Abilities: Technical Report. Chicago: Science Research Associates, 1965.

13.

Wechsler, D. : Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children: Manual. New York: Psychol. Corp., 1949.

14.

Wheeler, L. , Burke, C. J. , and Reitan, R. M. An application of discriminant functions to the problem of predicting brain damage using behavioral variables. Percep. Motor Skills, 1963, 16, 417–400, Monogr. Suppl. 3-V16.

15.

Wissink, J. F.: A procedure for the identification of children with learning disabilities. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Univ. of Ariz., 1972.

16.

Wissink, J. F. , Kass, C. E. , and Ferrell, W. R. : A Bayesian approach to the identification of children with learning disabilities, J. Learning Disabil., 1975, 8(3), 158–166.