Can the MAYSI-2 be administered to youths in small groups?
Yes. We recommend that: (a) the group is closely monitored by a staff member; (b) the group is no larger than 4 or 5; and, (c) group administration is used only with youths whose reading ability is good enough that they do not have to have the items read aloud to them. The last point is important, because we have found that when the items are read aloud by staff to youths in a group, youths are likely to begin reacting verbally to the items, thus potentially influencing each other’s responses. Also, it is possible (although we don’t have research data to answer this) that youths’ scores might be somewhat different when they answer as part of a group rather than when they are screened individually. From that perspective, it is better to administer the MAYSI-2 individually to youths whenever possible.
