Scoring tips
The BASS calculates total scores for subtests only, there is no overall total test score.
The 'summary of scores' table at the end of the record form provides the information required to calculate total subtest scores.
It is simple and quick to calculate, components within a subtest are either added or subtracted from one another to find the total score for that subtest.
For timed tasks, do not round to the nearest whole second (i.e., do not round 2.4 seconds to 2).
In the Empathy/ToM subtest, the individual is asked to rate how affected they are by a scene using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM). This scale is commonly used in populations with cognitive impairment. More information about this rating scale can be found here
In the Social Reasoning subtest, 'best score' refers to the individual's highest score out of the open or multiple choice responses. For example, if an individual scored 3/5 for open responses but 4/5 for multiple choice, they would receive a best score of 4/5.
In the Memory for New Faces subtest there are two components, a) free recall and b) recognition. Free recall responses are those provided by the individual without the need for prompts. Recognition responses are those provided with the aid of the multiple choice recognition prompts. If an individual answers correctly for free recall, they are awarded points for both the free recall and recognition components. If they respond incorrectly for free recall but correctly for recognition (e.g., they forget the role of the person displayed, but correctly identify it with a prompt) they are only awarded a point for the recognition component. The 'recognition correct' component refers to whether or not the individual states that they recognise the person in the picture.
Click here to download a scoring example pdf of the BASS, or view the example within the website below.