A comparison of internalizers, externalizers and normal students using neuropsychological measures

Dale Everett Matson, Marquette University

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the possible differences between Internalizing, Externalizing and normal children on WISC-R Factors and measures from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Groups 1 and 2 were selected from a pool of students in an Emotional Disability program and further subdivided into Internalizing and Externalizing using the Teacher Report Form of the Child Behavior Checklist. A third group (controls) was selected from a pool of students based on sub clinical scores on the CBCL. Students were then matched on age (mean = 11.4), SES(mean = 36.0), and Full Scale IQ (mean = 100.1). The matching yielded a total group of 36 subjects with 12 per group. Significant between groups differences were found on the WCST Perseverative Errors (p $<$.001), Categories Achieved (p $<$.01) and on The Third Factor of the WISC-R (p $<$.01). Significant within groups differences were found on the WISC-R Factors (Group 1 VC $>$ FFD, PO $>$ FFD; Group 2 VC $>$ FFD, PO $>$ FFD, PO $>$ VC; Group 3 FFD $>$ PO). Using the four variables that demonstrated a significant difference between groups, a discriminant function analysis was conducted which correctly classified 80.6% of the 36 children based on CBCL groupings. It is concluded that Neuropsychological and Factor comparisons add discriminative power and should be included in assessment.

This paper has been withdrawn.