Social Validity Assessment in Social Competence Interventions for Preschool Children

Social competence intervention studies published from 1970 to 2008 for preschoolers were reviewed for reports of social validity assessment. Analysis of 90 studies indicated that nearly 27% ( n = 24) of studies reported at least one measure of social validity assessment for the goals ( n = 7), procedures ( n = 8), or effects ( n = 19). The methods used for these assessments were described, including information about the participants, time of assessment, and results. Trends in the rate of social validity assessment, methodological concerns, and recommendations for further social validity assessments are discussed.