A comparative study of executive functions indices among children with different types of specific learning disabilities: Psychometric properties of BRIEF-2

Abstract

Introduction: Executive functions are a set of high-level cognitive abilities that are related to the educational problems of children. Aim: This research aimed to investigate psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2) and compare its indices among children with different types of specific learning disabilities (SLD). Method: This study was descriptive psychometric and causal-comparative research. The statistical population consisted of the 6-12-year-old-girls and boys with SLD, Isfahan city, in 2020-2021. A total of 346 students were selected using a convenience sampling method. The achievement tests were then taken, and BRIEF-2 was completed by their parents. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, differentiation analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, split-half reliability coefficient, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) via SPSS.23.0 and AMOS.24.0 software. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis results showed that this scale has acceptable fit indices values (RMSEA=0.072), and construct validity and discriminant validity are confirmed (P<0.001). In addition, the results of Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.896) and split-half reliability coefficient (0.814) showed that the questionnaire has good reliability. Furthermore, MANOVA results indicated a significant difference between the indices of the BRIEF-2 and the type of learning disabilities (P<0.05). Conclusion: The BRIEF-2 has good psychometric properties to evaluate the executive functions in 6-12-year-old children with SLD. Considering the significant relationship between the indices of the BRIEF-2 and the type of learning disabilities, the weakness in the indices of executive functions may be probably associated with children' learning problems.