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Related Experiment Videos

Reliability analysis of the Motivation Assessment Scale: a failure to replicate.

J R Zarcone1, T A Rodgers, B A Iwata

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|January 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

The Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) shows low reliability in identifying the source of reinforcement for self-injurious behavior (SIB). Reexamination revealed poor interrater agreement among staff, questioning its effectiveness in clinical practice.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Psychology
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Clinical Assessment

Background:

  • The Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) is used to identify reinforcement sources for self-injurious behavior (SIB).
  • Previous reliability studies of the MAS reported moderate to high interrater correlations.
  • Concerns exist regarding the MAS's consistency and accuracy in real-world settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reexamine the interrater reliability of the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS).
  • To assess the MAS's effectiveness in identifying reinforcement for self-injurious behavior (SIB) in individuals with developmental disabilities.

Main Methods:

  • The MAS was administered to two raters (staff members) for 55 individuals with SIB.
  • Interrater reliability was assessed using correlational analyses and percent agreement.

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  • Two independent samples were used: an institutional sample (n=39) and a school sample (n=16).

    • Main Results:

    • Only 16 out of 55 raters agreed on the reinforcement category for SIB.
    • A small percentage (15%) of correlation coefficients exceeded .80.
    • Reliability scores based on percent agreement were consistently below 80%.

    Conclusions:

    • The study found low interrater reliability for the MAS.
    • The findings question the MAS's utility as an efficient tool for identifying SIB reinforcement.
    • Further research is needed to improve assessment tools for self-injurious behavior.