The study titled "Russian version of BRIEF2 Teacher Forms: validation study in typically developing children aged 5 to 7 years old" provides valuable insights into the use of the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function®, Second Edition (BRIEF2) in Russian educational settings. Conducted by Gavrilova, Aslanova, Tarasova, and Zinchenko, the research examines the psychometric properties of the Russian version of BRIEF2 Teacher Forms and explores its applicability across different age groups.
Executive Function (EF) skills, such as inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, are crucial for a child's academic and social development. The BRIEF2 is a widely used tool designed to assess these EF skills through teacher observations. The study focused on 178 typically developing children aged 5 to 7 years, analyzing the tool's reliability and validity in the Russian context.
Key findings from the study include:
- High Reliability: The BRIEF2 showed high internal reliability for the three composite indices and the Global Executive Composite across all age groups, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.87 to 0.95.
- Dimensional Structure Variability: Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the dimensional structure of the BRIEF2 differed between children aged 5 and 6 years compared to those aged 7 years. This difference is likely due to the transition from kindergarten to school in Russia at age 7.
- Age-Specific Validity: The study confirmed that the Russian version of BRIEF2 is a valid tool for assessing EF in 5- and 6-year-old children. However, for 7-year-olds, the tool was found to be less valid.
For practitioners, these findings offer several practical implications:
- Targeted Assessment: Use the BRIEF2 for children aged 5 and 6 years to assess their EF skills effectively. The tool's high reliability in these age groups ensures accurate and consistent results.
- Age-Appropriate Interpretation: For children aged 7 years, consider using alternative assessment tools or supplementary methods to evaluate EF skills, given the reduced validity of BRIEF2 in this age group.
- Further Research: Engage in further research to explore additional factors that may influence the validity of EF assessment tools in different cultural and educational contexts.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of culturally and contextually appropriate assessment tools for evaluating EF skills in children. By leveraging the findings from this research, practitioners can enhance their assessment practices and better support the development of EF skills in young children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Russian version of BRIEF2 Teacher Forms: validation study in typically developing children aged 5 to 7 years old.
