6. The Cardinal Parameters
In order to help with report interpretation, Qbtech has developed three Cardinal parameters, which give an overall Q-score for each symptom area. These are named QbActivity, QbInattention and QbImpulsivity and these parameters may be found in all reports except the standard report. We will familiarize you with all the different reports later on in this course.
QbActivity and QbInattention are based on results from the second half of the test, quartiles 3 and 4, which captures potential deterioration in performance in the second half of the test. QbImpulsivity, however, is based on the results from quartiles 2- 4, as impulsivity symptoms can present throughout the test.
Each of the Cardinal Parameter Q-scores are based on the combined weighted scores of the individual parameters within the respective symptom area. For example, the individual, weighted parameters of Reaction Time, Reaction Time Variation and Omission Errors all contribute to the QbInattention Q-score.
For QbInattention the parameters with the highest weight are the same for both test versions; however, the magnitude of these weights is different between the versions. The order by greatest weight is reaction time, RTV, and omission for both the 6-12 and 12-60 test.
