Black-white differences at ages on the McCarthy scales of children's abilities

Abstract

Comparisons were made between matched groups of black and white children on the new McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. Using the standardization sample as the data source, 148 matched pairs were obtained. These were grouped as follows: ages 212−312 (N = 60), 612812 (N = 45). The blacks and whites did not differ significantly on any of the cognitive scales at ages 212−312 and 4−512, although at ages 612-812 the whites scored about 12 SD higher. The blacks scored significantly higher on the Motor Scale at ages 4−512 but there were no differences at other ages. The implications of these findings are discussed.