Psychometric Properties of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient for Assessing Low and High Levels of Autistic Traits in College Students
Abstract
The current study systematically investigated the effects of scoring and categorization methods on the psychometric properties of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient. Four hundred and three college students completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient at least once. Total scores on the Autism-Spectrum Quotient had acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability using a binary or Likert scoring method, but the results were more varied for the subscales. Overall, Likert scoring yielded higher internal consistency and test-retest reliability than binary scoring. However, agreement in categorization of low and high autistic traits was poor over time (except for a median split on Likert scores). The results support using Likert scoring and administering the Autism-Spectrum Quotient at the same time as the task of interest with neurotypical participants.
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“Following recommendations based on heterogeneity of factor solutions and inferior psychometric properties of the subscale scores (Hoekstra et al., 2008; Stevenson & Hart, 2017), only the total scale is used as a continuous measure of autistic-like traits in this study.”
Method
- Authors
- Stevenson, J. L., & Hart, K. R.
- Affiliations
- Ursinus College (US)
- Corresponding author
- Stevenson, Jennifer L.
- Venue
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Published
- 2017-03-27
- Volume
- 47
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1838-1853
- ISSN
- 0162-3257 (ISSN-L)
- 1573-3432
- OpenAlex
- W2600108757
- Cited by
- 130
- References
- 8
- Citations by year
- 2026: 18 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 2
- FWCI
- 5.81
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Ursinus College
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Psychological Testing and Assessment
- Keywords
- Autism Spectrum Quotient, autistic traits, psychometric properties, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, university students
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Autistic Disorder, Female, Humans, Male, Neuropsychological Tests, Psychometrics, Students, Reproducibility of Results, Young Adult
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