What is AİHAS?
AİHAS (Enhanced Attention, Impulsivity and Hyperactivity Scale) is an internet-based, three-stage scientific measurement tool that measures attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity behaviours separately and directly, while also analysing the correlational relationships between these areas. The scale not only describes the current situation but also aims to monitor the individual’s development and change through its process-based approach.
Development Process and Scientific Consultancy
AİHAS has been developed entirely locally in terms of content and software infrastructure. During the accreditation process, a consultative structuring process was carried out with the scientific consultancy of academics from Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States who have doctoral-level studies in the field of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Data obtained from applications conducted on 5,000 individuals by a team of approximately 200 specialists, including guidance counsellors, psychologists, and child development experts across Turkey, demonstrated that AİHAS is a reliable measurement tool with high correlation values.
3-Stage Measurement Process
Structure and Content of the Scale
In this section, attention performance is assessed based on four basic types of attention:
- Selective Attention
- Analogical Attention
- Verbal Attention
- Numerical Attention
The level of each attention area is determined, deficiencies are identified, and the results are compiled into detailed reports. At this stage, individualized exercise assignments are created to strengthen the relationship between speed reading and accurate comprehension skills. In this respect, the scale serves a diagnostic and intervention-guiding function.
Impulsivity and Hyperactivity Scale
This section covers impulsivity and hyperactivity behaviours;
- Existence level
- Quantity (severity) level
- Mutual interactions
are measured separately and correlatively. Based on the results obtained, the individual’s referral to the appropriate counselling or specialist unit is determined in light of scientific data.
Post-Intervention Parallel (Final) Test
Following the completion of the exercise and treatment process, a parallel (final) test is administered. The differences between the initial and final measurements are analysed to objectively determine the level of behavioural improvement. This makes it possible to measure the effectiveness of the intervention applied.
Psychometric Properties
- Reliability: The reliability coefficients of AİHAS range from 0.84 to 1.00, indicating a very high level of reliability.
- Validity: The coefficients for content, construct, predictive, criterion-related, and face validity range from 0.90 to 1.00.
- Usability: It is structured to provide maximum efficiency in terms of application time, pricing, and expert labour.
Suitability for Turkish Etiology and Epidemiology
AİHAS was initially structured based on APA data; however, preliminary sampling studies revealed that the response averages of the Turkish population differed significantly from those of the North American population. Accordingly, the reporting system was restructured to ensure epidemiological alignment with the Turkish population, based on arithmetic mean, mode, median, range, and standard deviation values.