Research on the McCarthy Scales and Its Implications for Assessment

Abstract
This paper reviews the research on the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities, which are designed to assess several areas of a child's cognitive and motor development from the age of 21/2 to 81/2 years. Pertinent research findings are considered in terms of their implications for assessment; the real possibility that McCarthy's General Cognitive Index GCI is different from the IQ is explored. Other types of investigations needed to help validate the instrument and better define its clinical usefulness also are mentioned. Finally, the roles of the McCarthy in different aspects of psychoeducational diagnosis are discussed in view of present knowledge about the instrument.