Structural validity of the Bruininks-Oseretsky test of motor proficiency - Second edition brief form (BOT-2-BF).
The 14-item BOT-2-BF is psychometrically unsound—switch to the 5-item version if you must screen motor skills, but await further validation.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Brown (2019) checked if the 14-item BOT-2-BF really measures motor skill in kids.
The kids were neurotypical and aged 8-11. Rasch math was used to see if each item fit a single ruler.
What they found
The 14-item short form failed the Rasch rules. A trimmed 5-item set passed, but it still needs more proof.
How this fits with other research
Wuang et al. (2009) found the full BOT-2 works well in children with ID. Their good news does not clash with Ted’s bad news; the full and brief forms are different tools.
Cummings et al. (2024) later used the full BOT-2 with ID youth and saw no link with BMI. This keeps the full test in play for that group, even while the brief form is questioned.
Storch et al. (2012) showed MOT 4-6 passed Rasch tests in Greek preschoolers. Their positive result highlights that other short motor tests can work, so BOT-2-BF’s failure is fixable, not fatal.
Why it matters
If you screen motor skills, skip the 14-item BOT-2-BF. Use the 5-item version only if you must, and watch for new proof. Keep the full BOT-2 in your toolbox for kids with ID, and watch for future updates.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Practitioners often assess the motor skills of children presented with suspected developmental delays. It is essential that the tests used to assess children have strong measurement properties including validity. AIM: The structural validity of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency - second edition Brief Form (BOT-2-BF) was investigated. METHOD: 123 healthy children (67 males & 56 females; M = 10 years, 2 months; SD = 1 year, 4 months) completed the BOT-2-BF. The Rasch Measurement Model (RMM) was used to assess the 14-item BOT-2-BF's dimensionality, hierarchical ordering, differential item functioning (DIF), and item and person separation reliability. RESULTS: Nine BOT-2-BF misfit RMM requirements. A second RMM analysis of a five-item BOT-2-BF version was completed. The five-item version did meet the RMM requirements of item fit, dimensionality, hierarchical ordering, lack of DIF, and adequate item and person separation reliability. IMPLICATIONS: The 14-item version of the BOT-2-BF is not recommended for use as a screening scale to assess children's motor skill performance. However, a revised five-item version of the BOT-2-BF did appear to meet RMM expectations. Further psychometric assessment of the revised five-item version of the BOT-2-BF is recommended.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2019 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2018.11.010