THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RATING SCALE FOR MEASURING PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF INSTITUTIONALIZED MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN

Author

Ross A. Evans, Kansas State College of Pittsburg

Date of Award

7-1961

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The present study selected as its objective the development of a rating scale for use by psychologists wishing to measure psychopharmacologically-induced changes in the behavior of institutionalized mentally retarded children. The need for such a scale is evidenced by the recent interest these drugs have created in the field of mental retardation.

In constructing the rating scale, the investigator was guided by the neurophysiological theories of drug action and the findings of experimental and non-experimental empirical investigations. The specific content of the scale was procured primarily by: (1) circulating a questionnaire designed to elicit behavior descriptions of atypical mentally retarded children, to ninety-six psychiatric aides employed at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center, Parsons, Kansas; and (2) reviewing existing rating scales and check lists used as criterion measures in psychopharmacological research studies.

From the above data, 174 Items (descriptive statements) were designed for eight categories of behavior which represent the major postulated effects of psychothropic drugs.

Comments

vii, 102 leaves ; 28 cm. Bibliography: leaves 97-102

Recommended Citation

Evans, Ross A., "THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL RATING SCALE FOR MEASURING PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF INSTITUTIONALIZED MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN" (1961). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 175.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/175