What do T-Scores Mean on Test Reports?

T-Scores

T Scores are another method of describing a person’s performance, where a T Score of 50 is precisely average and standard deviations are 10 points. Average scores are in the  range of 40 to 60.  T-Scores are often used in behavior rating scales such as the BASC-2, the BRIEF, and the Brown ADD Scales.  For most clinical measures on these scales, a high score (above 60) is reflective of modest difficulties and a score above 70 suggests more significant concerns. However, these interpretations vary amongst tests as each test uses their own classifications and ranges. For some tests scores, from 60-69 are considered “at-risk” and slightly atypical from the norm, whereas another test, eg. the Brown ADD Scales views these scores as clinically significant.

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Most low scores on clinical scales (below 40) are not interpreted any differently from scores between 40-50, and do not suggest a particular strength, but merely suggest the absence of a problem. A T-score of 65 on a measure of hyperactivity suggests concerns, but a score of 50 or 30 is interpreted as an absence of concerns.

However, some T-scores may measure strengths, such as the Adaptive Scales on the BASC-2. In this case, a high score (above 60) is interpreted as a sign of strength and a low score (below 40) typically means an absence of that skill.

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