Use of the AAMD classification system: a review of recent research

The present study was designed to analyze the use of the AAMD and other classification systems in recent research. Specifically, articles from the American Journal of Mental Deficiency and Mental Retardation between the years 1973 and 1979 (N = 566) were analyzed with regard to the type of classification system used. In addition, information on subject description, tests employed, test scores reported, and correctness of the classification was obtained. A surprisingly small percentage of authors used the AAMD classification system, and a relatively large percentage of investigators misclassified their subjects when test scores were reported. Implications of the data and recommendations were discussed.