Much ado about norming: the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Child Development

Background:

• The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is a widely used assessment tool for executive functions in daily life.
• Concerns have been raised about the BRIEF's sensitivity due to its standardization sample's limited geographic diversity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the hypothesis that the BRIEF is overly sensitive.
• To examine the impact of geographic factors on BRIEF scores in typically developing children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis of 39 studies involving typically developing children and adolescents was conducted.
• Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) index scores from these studies were analyzed.
• Scores were compared to the standardization sample mean and examined for geographic variations (US Census regions, international).

Main Results:

• Mean BRIEF scores across studies were generally close to the standardization mean of 50 (within 1-2 T-score units).
• Scores tended to be slightly lower than the standardization mean.
• No significant relationship was found between BRIEF scores and geographic location.

Conclusions:

• The findings refute claims that the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) is overly sensitive.
• The study reinforces the validity of the BRIEF as an assessment tool for executive functions.