Quantitative Approaches

The Quantitative Approach is an objective measurement process that uses formal procedures and methods to focus on specific areas of child development that can be observed and scored. Evaluation/assessment tools are structured, they use items with specified guidelines for test administration, and they are typically administered at a single point in time.  The results may compare a child’s performance to same-age peers (e.g., a norm-referenced tool such as the Battelle Developmental Inventory II) or the results may indicate a child has mastered specific objectives defined by set criteria (e.g., a criterion-referenced tool such as the Hawaii Early learning Profile).

Quantitative assessment instruments should have strong reliability and validity data.

• Reliability refers to how well an instrument can yield consistent results, when repeated with the same child for example.
• Validity refers to how well an instrument measures what it is supposed to measure, such as a child’s language skills for example.

When performing evaluation procedures, evaluators must carefully match the tools selected with the child and family. When considering any test or tool, evaluators check the purposes of the instrument and the population with whom the test or tool was validated to determine if it is appropriate for the child who will be evaluated. Some tools may not have the necessary skills modifications for a child who has a physical disability, or vision or hearing impairment. Likewise, some tools may not be appropriate for English language learners. Tools selected should be valid and reliable (reliability and validity data for an assessment should be defined and explained in the user’s manual for the tool) and used appropriately by those qualified to administer them.

• Criterion-referenced assessment – measures a child’s mastery of specific skills according to preset criteria. Examples of Maryland recommended criterion referenced assessment include transdisciplinary play-based assessment, the LAP (Learning Accomplishment Profile), and the E-LAP (Early Learning Accomplishment Profile).
• Norm referenced assessment – compares a child’s performance to same-age peers and may be used for diagnostic purposes. Examples of Maryland recommended norm referenced assessments include the BDI (Battelle Developmental Inventory), the Brigance Inventory of Early Development, and the DAYC (Developmental Assessment of Young Children).

Advantages/Limitations to the Quantitative Approach