Abstract
A cutoff score of 15 on the Conners 10-item Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale (ATRS), based on a study from this laboratory, has been widely used by investigators for diagnosis of the syndrome known now as Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity. A replication of the original research employing a larger norm sample indicates that the suggested score of 15 is too low. Comparing the norm sample with hyperactive subjects selected by cutoff of 15 on the ATRS showed that the groups differed greatly on hyperactivity but not on inattention. The abbreviated form of the Conners scale does not effectively select children with attention deficits. Numerous problems with both the 39-item teacher scale and the abbreviated form suggest strongly that they be abandoned as research tools.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Abbott Laboratories. (1972).Teacher's Questionnaire. North Chicago: Author.
American Psychiatria Association. (1980).Diagnostic and statitical manual of mental disorders (3rd ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
Arias, I., & O'Leary, K. D. (1984).Prevalence rates of hyperactivity across cultures. Manuscript submitted for publication.
Conners, C. K. (1969). A teacher rating scale for use in drug studies with children.American Journal of Psychiatry, 126, 804–888.
Conners, C. K. (1972). Symposium: Behavior modification by drugs. II Psychological effects of stimulant drugs in children with minimal brain dysfunction.Pediatrics, 49, 702–708.
Conners, C. K. (1973). Rating scales for use in drug studies with children. Pharmacotherapy of children [Special issue].Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 24–84.
Conners, C. K. Taylor, E., Meo, G., Kurtz, M., & Fournier, M. (1972). Magnesium pemoline and dextroamphetamine: A controlled study in children with minimal brain dysfunction.Psychopharmacologia, 26, 321–336.
Goyette, C. H., Conners, C. K., & Ulrich, R. F. (1978). Normative data on revised Conners Parent and Teacher Rating Scale.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 6, 221–236.
Loney, J., & Milich, R. (1982). Hyperactivity, inattention, and aggression in clinical practice. In M. Wolraich & D. K. Routh (Eds.),Advances in developmental and behavioral pediatrics (Vol. 3, pp. 113–147). Greenwich, Connecticut: JAI.
Sprague, R. L., Cohen, M. N., & Werry, J. S. (1974).Normative data on the Conners Teacher Rating and Abbreviated Scale (Tech. Rep.). Champaign: University of Illinois, Institute for Child Behavior and Development.
Sprague, R. L., & Sleator, E. K. (1976). Drugs and dosages: Implications for learning disabilities. In R. M. Knights & D. J. Bakker (Eds.),Neuropsychology of learning disorders (pp. 351–366). Baltimore: University Park Press.
Trites, R. L. (1979).Hyperactivity in children: Etiology, measurement, and treatment implications. Baltimore: University Park Press.
Trites, R. L., Blouin, A. G. A., Ferguson, H. B., & Lynch, G. W. (1981). The Conners' Teacher Rating Scale: An epidemiologic, inter-rater reliability and follow-up investigation. In K. D. Gadow & J. Loney (Eds.),Psychosocial aspects of drug treatment for hyperactivity (pp. 151–176). Boulder, Colorado: Westview Press.
Ullmann, R. K., & Sleator, E. K. (1984). [ADD-H 1981–1984 ACTeRS dose response study]. Unpublished raw data.
Ullmann, R. K., Sleator, E. K., & Sprague, R. L. (1984a). A new rating scale for diagnois and monitoring of ADD children.Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 20, 160–164.
Ullmann, R. K., Sleator, E. K., & Sprague, R. L. (1984b). ADD children: Who is referred from the schools.Psychopharmacology Bulletin, 20, 308–312.
Werry, J. S., Sprague, R. L., & Cohen, M. N. (1975). Conners Teacher Rating Scale for use in drug studies with children An empirical study.Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 3, 217–227.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was supported in part by research grant No. MH18909 from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ullmann, R.K., Sleator, E.K. & Sprague, R.L. A change of mind: The Conners Abbreviated Rating Scales Reconsidered. J Abnorm Child Psychol 13, 553–565 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00923141
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00923141