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Scoring the NEPSY-II can be very complex but it can also be simplified. For the simplest possible scoring, the Primary Scores may be used to represent results. However, the Primary Scores do not always capture the essential problems of the child. For example, a child may perform a subtest very quickly but make many errors. In such an instance, the two subscores may balance out each other so the Primary Score looks average in spite of the child’s problems. Another reason why in-depth scoring may be revealing is when the child has problems with a performance. Then subscores may reveal the nature of the child’s problems. Also, comparing scores may demonstrate specific deficits. Yet scoring for types of errors or subtest contrasts is optional.

COMPUTER SCORING

A Scoring Assistant computer scoring program for NEPSY-II is available through the NEPSY-II publisher, Pearson. This software program computes all of the primary, process, combined, and contrast scores and percentiles, and base rates. It then provides a printout of all subtest scores and a plot of scores by domain that can be imported into the Test Results section of your report. This program is appreciated by NEPSY-II examiners because it significantly reduces scoring time. Nonetheless, even if a scoring program is available, it is wise to score NEPSY-II by hand initially, so you are aware how the scores are derived.

PREPARATORY TO SCORING

Immediately following the administration of NEPSY-II and before the child leaves, be sure to take time to look over the Record Form to check that all selected subtests have been administered and all demographic information has been recorded. Give the child a break while you perform this check. In this way, if anything is missing, there may still be time to administer a subtest you meant to give or to obtain missing information before the parent or caregiver and the child depart.

ORDER OF SCORING

All scaled scores are found in Appendix A of the Clinical and Interpretive Manual, all combined score tables in Appendix B; Appendix C contains the tables for contrast scores, and Behavioral Observations tables are found in Appendix D. Therefore, many clinicians who are hand scoring prefer to look up all scaled scores and percentiles first and then go back to compute combined and contrast scores. Cumulative

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the birth date with the parent or caregiver before testing and check your computation twice. If you have made an error on the age, the scores, not to mention interpretations, will be incorrect. Before you begin to score, check that all items below the start point or basal have been credited and that all parts of a Total Score (i.e., immediate and delayed) have been entered. (See Caution box on the previous page.)

Step 2: Recording Responses

For each subtest, space is provided on the Record Form to record all of the information needed to compute all scores. Be sure to record responses according to the directions in the NEPSY-II Administration Manual. The first page of the Record Form provides a place to summarize a child’s performance on NEPSY-II. Demographic information is recorded here and primary scaled scores can be plotted to create a visual profile of the child’s performance in each of the six domains. The inside front page is for recording raw scores and cumulative percentages for Behavioral Observations. The latter are qualitative observations made during the assessment that can be quantified during scoring and compared to age-level cumulative percentages.

Step 3: Obtain Subtest Scaled Scores and Percentile Ranks

In the Administration Manual or in this chapter refer to the scoring section of each subtest for specific instructions on obtaining total raw scores. Refer to the scoring section of each subtest for specific instructions on obtaining total raw scores.

The Record Form also contains schematics to guide you in computing each score. After you have obtained the total raw scores for each subtest, turn to the appropriate table in Appendix A of the Clinical and Interpretive Manual. Scaled scores are based on the child’s age as calculated on the Record Form. The child’s age in years and months determines which page of the table should be used. Each page of Table A.1 provides the scaled scores and percentile ranks for age groups in six-month or one-year intervals. The subtests are listed in the table according to alphabetical order within domain. For each subtest, find the raw score in the column under the subtest name. Then, reading across from this score to the extreme left or right column, find the equivalent scaled score or percentile rank for the subtest. Enter this subtest scaled score in the appropriate box on the subtest Record Form page. Percentile ranks are presented in ranges. See Figure 3.1 for a Record Form example showing the schematic for

Figure 3.1 A Record Form Sample—Obtaining Affect Recognition Scaled Scores and Percentile Ranks

obtaining Affect Recognition Scaled Scores and Percentile Ranks for a child 12 years, 0 months of age.

Step 4: Obtain Combined and Contrast Scores

For subtests with combined and contrast scaled scores, you first derive the appropriate scaled scores or percentile ranks that are used to calculate that combined or contrast scaled score. These scores are indicated on the Record Form and in the scoring section of the relevant subtests in the Administration Manual. A schematic with colored shading (lavender for ages 3–4 and green

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for ages 5–16) on the Record Form leads you through the process of deriving the combined and contrast scaled scores. The appropriate look-up table in the Clinical and Interpretive Manual for each score is indicated by a colored arrow in the schematic on the Record Form, as well. After you derive the normed subtest scores, find the appropriate combined score table in Appendix B or the appropriate contrast score table in Appendix C of the Clinical and Interpretive Manual. For each table, find the child’s obtained scaled scores for the relevant subtest. Reading across and down from the scores, find the value in the table where the scores meet. This is the combined or contrast scaled score. See Figure 3.2 for an example of deriving the Word Interference Repetition vs. Recall Contrast Scaled Score, where the child obtained a scaled score of 6 on repetition and a scaled score of 4 on recall.

Rapid Reference 3.3

Subtests With Combined Scores Only, Contrast Scores Only, Both Combined and Contrast Scores

Combined Scores Only

•Animal Sorting

•The Auditory Attention section of the Auditory Attention/Response Set Subtest

•Speeded Naming

•Visuomotor Precision

•Word Generation

Contrast Scores Only

•Design Copying

•Memory for Designs and Memory for Designs Delayed

•Memory For Faces and Memory for Faces Delayed

•Narrative Memory

•Word Generation

Both Combined and Contrast Scores

•The Response Set section of the Auditory Attention/Response Set subtest

•Fingertip Tapping

•Inhibition