The BAARS–IV is based on more than 16 years of research by the developer using prototypes of the BAARS–IV. The large normative sample (N>1,200) is representative of the U.S. population in terms of region, socioeconomic status, education, ethnicity/race, and gender, based on the 2000 U.S. Census. Scoring sheets present norms for three age groups of adults (18–39, 40–59, and 60–89 years old).

Reliability
Reliability of the scores is quite satisfactory as evidenced by high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of .92 for current ADHD and .95 for childhood ADHD symptom scores); good interobserver agreement (.67 to .70 across scales); and high test–retest reliability over a 2–3 week interval (.75 for current ADHD and .79 for childhood ADHD symptom scores).

Validity
Validity of the scale scores was evident in numerous analyses, including factor analyses; correlations with other measures of ADHD symptoms; and correlations, regression analyses, and group comparisons concerning disorder discrimination and concurrent validity with various measures of functional impairment in major life activities (associated risks in executive functioning, educational history, occupational functioning, social relationships, marriage, driving, financial management, crime and drug use, parenting stress, and offspring psychopathology, among other domains).

More extensive technical information is provided in the manual.