Concurrent validity of the Minnesota Child Development Inventory with high-risk infants

Investigated the validity and clinical utility of the Minnesota Child Development Inventory (MCDI) as a developmental screening instrument with a sample of 280 premature infants identified as medically and socioeconomically high risk for developmental delays. Correlational analyses demonstrated significant correlations between the MCDI scales and the criterion Bayley Mental Age Equivalent score. Results of a moderator multiple regression analysis indicated that parent and child characteristics have a statistically significant "moderating" influence on the validity of the MCDI although the clinical significance of this finding may be minimal. A prediction-performance matrix analysis revealed a high degree of classification specificity (92%) but a relatively low sensitivity rating (56%). Findings suggest that the MCDI is a valid and useful screening instrument for high-risk infants but should be used diagnostically only in conjunction with other measures.