Measurement Issues in Studies of Efficacy

Abstract

As the goals of early intervention have broadened, it is appropriate that measures used to document efficacy be re-evaluated. This article reviews briefly trends in the use of outcome measures, beginning with IQ and other developmental tests that focus on the child. Two recent reports are reviewed which illustrate the problems of relying solely upon child outcomes as measures of program efficacy. Measurement approaches for researchers and practitioners are suggested that take into consideration the transactional nature and impact of early interventions upon the child and family system.