Validity and Reliability of the Interaction Rating Scale between Children (IRSC) by Using Motion Capture Analysis of Head Movement

The aim of this paper was to validate the Interaction Rating Scale for Children (IRSC) as an evidence-based practical index of social skills. Twenty 5–6-year-old preschool students participated in our study. Participants were required to complete a 5-minute interaction session and were evaluated using the IRSC. A motion capture machine, based on an ecologically valid interaction within a candy-distribution setting, monitored participants’ head movements. Results indicated a moderately high correlation between IRSC scores and head movements. When cooperation was high, the “Pitch” was higher (r = 0.548, p < .05) and the “Yaw” was lower (r = -0.685, p < .01). When self-control was high, the “Pitch” was lower (r = -0.576, p < .01).The IRSC is able to measure social competence with high validity. Thus, the IRSC is a helpful tool for understanding the development of peer relationships.