A Comparison of the BASC and the CBCL With Referred Preschoolers

Behavior rating scales, such as the Behavior Assessment System for Children ([BASC] Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1998) and the Child Behavior Checklist ([CBCL] Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000), are often used to assess social and emotional behavior problems. Although a substantial amount of research exists on the previous version of the BASC/6-18 and CBCL/4-18, little research exists on the latest preschool versions of the BASC/2.5-5 and CBCL/1.5-5. The current study examined the overall consistency between the latest BASC and CBCL preschool versions. A sample of 50 parents of preschool-aged children referred for a developmental evaluation participated in this study by completing both the BASC and CBCL on their children. Mean scores, correlations, and standard score differences were examined for 13 corresponding scales on the BASC and CBCL. The results indicated that the BASC and CBCL did not always produce consistent results within a group of referred preschoolers. Overall, more research needs to be conducted regarding the reliability and validity of the preschool versions of the BASC and CBCL