Examining the Convergent Validity Between the PEAK Relational Training System’s Semi-Standardized and Standardized Skill Assessments

Abstract

The current study examined the convergent validity between the standardized PEAK Comprehensive Assessment (PCA) and the semi-standardized PEAK Pre-assessment (PEAK-PA). Twenty-two participants were administered each tool, and an item by item analysis was conducted to evaluate correlations between tests. The results suggested a strong positive correlation between the PEAK-PA and the PCA score (r = .967, p < .0001). Correlations between each subtest on the PCA and the PEAK-PA were all significant at .001 level. When looking at revised items on the PCA, individuals most often scored higher on the PEAK-PA than the PCA. The results suggested that although these two tests were highly correlated, the PCA may assess a boarder range of skills that were not previously captured by the PEAK-PA. Implications for practicing clinicians in the area of autism treatment are presented.