Validity and reliability of executive function tests for preschoolers: Pilot study

Executive function tests are a tool designed by Adele Diamond to measure children's executive function performance. These tests assess the three components of working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. This study aimed to investigate the validity, reliability, and differentiation power of these tests for Persian-speaking preschool children.

In correlational design, data were collected among 80 children aged four to six years old in preschool children of Tehran city (Convenience sampling). The concurrent validity of the tests was investigated by correlation as compared to the subscales of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Preschool version completed by parents, and its reliability was evaluated by using the test-retest method on half of the subjects. The differentiating power of the tests was done by comparing the mean of the clinical and normative groups.

The results revealed that the tests had satisfactory validity (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.62 to 0.89), good reliability (correlation rate 0.71 to 0.80), and very good resolution (A significant difference in all components between the scores of normal and clinical groups).

Executive function tests are a suitable tool for diagnosing and evaluating the results of interventions in Persian-speaking preschool children.