A Review of the Behaviour Assessment System for Children

Abstract

This article is a review of the Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC), a broadband assessment tool, which is of potential interest to psychologists practicing within education, clinical/counselling and research settings. Designed to measure the behaviours and self perceptions of children from two and a half to 18 years, across both maladaptive and adaptive behaviour, the BASC has several features which makes it the test of choice in particular clinical and research situations. Each of the five main BASC components, including the Structured Developmental History, Parent Rating Scale, Teacher Rating Scale, Self Report of Personality and Student Observation System, is described and evaluated with reference made to the strengths and limitations of each. Where relevant, comparisons are drawn with the Child Behaviour Checklist and Teacher Report Form, and much of the research utilizing the BASC to date is summarized. Information regarding the test's psychometric properties, test development, administration and scoring is also presented. Overall, it seems that the BASC is a comprehensive and psychometrically sound assessment tool with much to offer psychologists working with children and adolescents.