Adaptation of subtests of kaufman assessment battery for children, second edition for Gujarati pre-school children

Abstract

Context: Cognition testing is frequently used in children to assess their intelligence for various needs. Abundant tests to assess cognition are available in the western world. The paucity of such tests for use in Gujarati population necessitates their adaptation for Gujarati culture. Aims: To adapt three subtests (Number Recall, Word Order, and Triangles) of Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition for Gujarati-speaking preschool age children using priori (judgemental) procedures of test adaptation process. Settings and Design: This was a prospective study of test adaptation process carried out in three kindergarten schools of Gujarat. Subjects and Methods: Three subtests were translated and adapted into Gujarati. A pilot study evaluating the applicability and appropriateness of the adapted version of the three tests was done, and the results of these raw scores were compared with English tests' scores. Of 68 children (age 3-6 years) who completed the pilot study, 15 boys and 15 girls 4-6 years of age were randomly selected to perform English tests for agreement between English and the adapted versions. Statistical Analysis Used: Agreement between the adapted and English versions of the tests was measured. Results: During adaptation, modifications were required only in the items of the Word order subtest. All children were able to understand and perform the test. Triangles did not require adaptation or modifications in test items. The agreement between raw scores of the two versions was good for both 'Number Recall' (mean difference = 0.8, 95% confidence limits: -2.6, 4.1) and 'Word Order' (mean difference = 0.6, 95% confidence limits: -3.2, 4.4). Conclusion: Adaptation of three subtests of KABC-II using a priori, that is, judgemental, procedure was suitable for Gujarati-speaking preschool children.