Auswahl der wissenschaftlichen Literatur zum Thema „Wechsler scales“

<p>I samband med att Wechsler Memory Scales-III översatts och utprovats för svenska och norska förhållanden har deltestet Ansikten analyserats med avseende på fenomen som sedan tidigare är kända kring ansiktsigenkänning. Med hjälp av signaldetektionsteori har den eventuella förekomsten av own race bias och könsskillnader undersökts samt kontrollerats för ålder och utbildning. Slutsatsen är att varken kön eller etnicitet har någon avgörande påverkan på testresultatet och de behöver därför inte särskilt beaktas när personer liknande de som ingår i utprövningsgruppen testas med WMS-III. Förslag ges på fortsatt forskning kring deltestet Ansikten i Sverige.</p>

A comprehensive battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests, forming the focus of this study, were administered to a southern African sample (n = 33, age range 18-40). This sample composed of black South African, IsiXhosa speakers with an educational level of Grade 11 and 12, derived through DET and former DET schooling. The gender demographics were as follows; females n = 21 and males n = 12. This sample was purposefully selected based on current cross-cultural research which suggests that individuals matching these above-mentioned demographics are significantly disadvantaged when compared to available neuropsychological norms. This is due to the fact that current norms have been created in contexts with socio-cultural influences; including culture, language and quantity and quality of education distinctly dissimilar to individuals like that composed in the sample. Hence the purpose of this study was fourfold namely; 1) Describe and consider socio-cultural factors and the influence on test performance 2) Provide descriptive and preliminary normative data on this neuropsychologically underrepresented population 3) Compare test performance between age and gender through stratification of the sample and finally to 4) Evaluate the current norms of the two WMS subtests and assess their validity for black South Africans with DET and former DET schooling with comparisons to the results found in the study. Information derived from the statistical analyses indicated that a higher performance in favour of the younger group over the older age range was consistently found for both WMS subtests. With regards to gender, some higher means were evident for the male population in the sample than was produced by the female group. Lastly, due to the fact that most scores derived from the sample were considerably lower when compared to the available norms, it is felt that socio-cultural factors prevalent to this population are a significant cause of lower test performance and thus warrant the development of appropriate normative indicators.

A growing body of opinion, research, and legislation [PL 98-524] implies that school psychological evaluations with adolescents and young adults should routinely include estimates of vocational interests and aptitude. Certainly all secondary level special education evaluations should include this important vocational component. Evidence suggests that the experience of career development among learning disabled young adults is particularly frustrating and difficult without early planning and exploration of options. This study examines the utility of traditionally available psychometric data in assisting the clinician make initial, exploratory estimates of vocational aptitude without referring the client for specialized testing. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised [WAIS-R], and General Aptitude Test Battery [GATB] scores were subjected to a multivariate, canonical correlation analysis to examine the overlap among constructs estimated by these sets of variables. The sample was composed of 148 learning disabled young adults enrolled in a state supported vocational rehabilitation program. Three significant canonical correlations were interpreted. The redundancy index showed that 34% of the variance in GATB aptitudes is explained by three linear combinations of WAIS-R subtest scaled scores, and that 31% of the WAIS-R subtest variance is predictable from three composites of GATB aptitude scores. Analysis of the structure correlations suggests that the first pair of canonical variates [Rc = .87] share a general intelligence, or verbal comprehension factor. A second pair [Rc= .73] share a perceptual and motor coordination construct. The third pair of canonical variates [Rc = .61] define a perceptual speed, or psychomotor construct that overlaps both the GATB and the WAIS-R set of test scores. There is evidence that GATB and WAIS-R estimate similar, but essentially independent dimensions of the same three psychoeducational constructs. WAIS-R may provide better estimates of fluid ability than GATB; and GATB may provide better estimates of crystallized ability than WAIS-R. Clinical implications for psychologists making exploratory estimates of vocational ability and aptitude from clinical profiles of WAIS-R scaled scores are discussed. Assessment issues with respect to the learning disabled young adult are also presented. [175 references]<br>Ed. D.

Performance on the Spatial Span subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale has been viewed as an indicator of working memory and visuospatial processing. A number of factors including age and gender have been posited to effect performance on Spatial Span by older adults. The current study examined the impact of various forms of cognitive impairment and severity of impairment on Spatial Span performance. Five hundred thirty-eight individuals between the ages of 65 and 89 were evaluated in a university memory disorders clinic using a battery of neuropsychological tests that included Spatial Span. Participants were grouped by consensus diagnosis into type of cognitive impairment (Alzheimer's disease, vascular disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment or non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment) or cognitively normal. As expected, an increase in severity of impairment results in a decrease in Spatial Span Total Score. Other findings included a weak relationship between age and Spatial Span Total Score. Gender, as well as age, did not fully account for the decline in Spatial Span Total Score. Spatial Span Forward score was not as good a predictor of severity in that reduction in score for Spatial Span Forward remains relatively stable regardless of level of impairment. Spatial Span Backward performance was found to be more sensitive to severity. No significant differences were found between performance of Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease suggesting they share similar deficit patterns with regard to the cognitive abilities measured by the Spatial Span subtest. A comparison between those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment and individuals without such a diagnosis showed no significant difference suggesting that visuospatial processes are not affected early in the dementing process.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2016-07-15T14:48:55Z No. of bitstreams: 1 elianeferreiracarvalhobanhato.pdf: 6834089 bytes, checksum: a161ea6540f89f7fbbac84ebd854353b (MD5)<br>Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2016-07-22T14:56:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 elianeferreiracarvalhobanhato.pdf: 6834089 bytes, checksum: a161ea6540f89f7fbbac84ebd854353b (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-22T14:56:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 elianeferreiracarvalhobanhato.pdf: 6834089 bytes, checksum: a161ea6540f89f7fbbac84ebd854353b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-10<br>Na avaliação psicológica, a utilização de instrumentos que contribuam para a detecção e o diagnóstico diferencial de declínios é de alta relevância. A escala Wechsler de Inteligência para Adultos – 3ª edição (WAIS-III) é reconhecida mundialmente como padrão-ouro. No entanto, no público idoso, o tempo de sua aplicação pode ocasionar fadiga, desatenção e desmotivação. Assim, formas abreviadas têm sido propostas e defendidas na literatura especializada. O presente estudo teve o objetivo geral de verificar as evidências de validade de critério de uma forma abreviada da escala, composta por oito subtestes (FA8). Especificamente, objetivou: a) descrever o perfil demográfico; b) caracterizar o desempenho de grupos com e sem declínio cognitivo na FA8; c) comparar o desempenho na FA8 e subtestes entre os idosos que apresentavam a doença crônica hipertensão e os não hipertensos, de acordo com a escolaridade; d) fornecer estimativas de QIs e Índices Fatoriais da escala; e) comparar a classificação qualitativa proposta pelo Manual da WAIS-III com os resultados obtidos a partir dos pontos de corte; f) investigar a associação entre a FA8 e testes de rastreio cognitivo e; g) identificar variáveis preditoras do desempenho cognitivo na FA8. A amostra de conveniência foi composta por 192 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, residentes na comunidade ou em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos da cidade de Juiz de Fora (MG). As entrevistas, compostas por questionário sociodemográfico, de saúde, testes de rastreio cognitivo e a FA8, foram realizadas na residência dos idosos, que assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido, e tiveram duração aproximada de 40 minutos. O gênero feminino foi predominante (n = 144; 75%). A média etária foi de 75,87 anos (DP = 9,14) e a de escolaridade foi de 6,40 anos (DP = 4,81). Em relação à situação conjugal, 43,2% (n = 83) da amostra foram constituídos por viúvos e 33,3% (n = 64) eram casados. Sobre o desempenho cognitivo, a média da amostra total na FA8 foi de 107,43 pontos (DP = 29,28). Ao dividir a amostra em grupos com (G1) e sem (G2) declínio cognitivo, verificou-se que a performance na FA8 associou-se positiva e significativamente com a escolaridade. O melhor ponto de corte para a FA8 foi 142. Entre idosos de 60 a 69, de 70 a 79 e de 80 ou mais anos foram 160, 129 e 129 pontos, respectivamente. A FA8 apresentou boa sensibilidade (80,0%) e especificidade (77,3%), com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Os valores preditivos positivo e negativo foram de 77,3% e 80%, respectivamente. O modelo de regressão foi composto pelas variáveis escolaridade, idade e situação conjugal, explicando 49,2% do desempenho cognitivo. A partir dos parâmetros psicométricos aferidos, concluiu-se que a FA8 é relevante na identificação de prejuízo cognitivo de idosos, além de poder ser aplicada com redução de aproximadamente 50% em relação à escala completa. Sugere-se a utilização mais frequente da FA8, tanto na clínica quanto em pesquisas, objetivando um maior refinamento no conhecimento da utilidade dos pontos de corte.<br>The use of instruments that contribute to the detection and differential diagnosis of impairment is highly relevant for psychological evaluation. Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III) has received worldwide recognition as the gold standard. Yet, the time needed for its application may lead to fatigue, inattention and loss of motivation, when the elderly population is tested. Thus, abbreviated versions have been proposed and defended in the specialized literature. This study had the general objective to assess criterion validity evidence of a short form of the scale, composed of eight subtests (SF8). The study specifically aimed to: a) describe the epidemiologic profile; b) characterize the performance of the groups with and without cognitive decline on SF8; c) compare the performance in SF8 and subtests among the elderly with hypertensive chronic disease and non hypertensive, according to the schooling; d) provide estimates of IQs and factorial indexes of the scale; e) compare the qualitative classification proposed by the WAIS-III manual with the results obtained from the cut-off points; f) investigate the association between SF8 and tests of cognitive screening and; g) identify variables predictive of cognitive performance on SF8. The convenience sample was composed of 192 individuals from both sexes, aged 60 years or above, living in the community or in institutions devoted to the long stay of elderly, in the city of Juiz de Fora (MG). The interviews, composed of health and sociodemographic questionnaires, cognitive screening tests, and the SF8, were applied in the elderly´s places of residence, and lasted for approximately 40 minutes. Participants signed an informed consent form. The female sex predominated (n = 144; 75%). Mean age was 75.87 years (SD = 9.14) and mean schooling was 6.40 years (SD = 4.81). As fort marital status, 43.2% (n = 83) lived in widowhood, and 33.3% (n = 64) were married. In a sub-sample, composed of 118 elderly, 53.4% (n = 63) had hypertension. As for cognitive performance, the mean for the whole sample was 107.43 points (SD = 29.28), on SF8. On dividing the sample in groups with (G1) and without (G2) cognitive decline, performance on SF8 was observed to be positively and significantly associated with schooling. The highest cut-off point on SF8 was 142. Among elderly aged from 60 to 69 years, from 70 to 79 years, and 80 or above, the results were 160, 129 and 129 points, respectively. SF8 had good sensitivity (80.0%) and specificity (77.3%), with 95% confidence interval. Positive and negative predictive values were 77.3% and 80%, respectively. The regression model was composed of the variables schooling, age and marital status, accounting for 49.2% of the cognitive performance. From the psychometric parameters assessed, SF8 was relevant for the identification of cognitive impairment in the elderly. The instrument can be applied to the elderly, with a time reduction of approximately 50% compared to the full scale. It is suggested that the SF8 should be more frequently used, both in the clinic and in research, aiming at a better refinement of the knowledge on the usefulness of the cut-off points.

This study identified a sample of children with specific learning disabilities according to Public Law 94-142 criteria. The primary purpose of the study was to examine whether sample member's intravariability of WISC-R subtest scaled scores was related to their reading achievement gain. A second purpose was to determine if any relationship existed between intelligence and reading achievement gain. Eighty-four Resource placed elementary students composed the study sample. They ranged from six to eleven years of age, and were primarily male caucasian. Since 1989, each sample member had been administered the WISC-R once; and , each sample member had been administered the WJTEA-R twice, with at least 12 months separating the two administrations . Results identified no relationship between WSIC-R subtest scaled score scatter and reading achievment gain on the WJTEA-R. A positive correlation was identified be tween intelligence level and academic gains in reading. Important ancillary correlations of significance identified for all subjects included a negative relationship be tween the variable Age and the variables Intelligence , Academic gain, and the WISC-R FD factor . When intelligence was held to within average parameters significant correlations were identified between the variable Achievement and the variables Age and Time (negative), and with the WISC-R FD and VC factors (positive) . Multiple regression analyses indicated the FD factor best able to predict academic gain for this group. It is probable, that in the identification of learning disabled students, that the identification of processing disorders (as with previously sought patterns) is not viable. It may be that the only key characteristics are intellectual level and severe discrepancy.

There has been much controversy concerning the comparability of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability (WJTCA). Previous research has raised the issue of a mean score discrepancy between the tests when used with the learning disabled. This study analyzed and compared performances on these two tests by re-evaluated and newly referred LD students and newly referred non-LD students. In addition, subtypes of LD students were formed on the basis of achievement test scores. These students' test performances were also analyzed and compared. The results of this study were consistent with previous research. The Full Scale scores from the two tests were highly correlated in all three groups, but the WISC-R was significantly higher than the WJTCA for each group. Across the identified LD subtypes there was a significant difference between the Full Scale scores from the two tests. However, meaningful patterns of strengths and weaknesses across aspects of cognitive functioning were not uncovered. These results indicate that the WISC-R and WJTCA result in significantly different estimates of the cognitive ability of LD and referred students. This difference can be attributed to a combination of three possible explanations--the effects of the use of non-random samples, the use of different norm groups when the tests were standardized, and the tests contain different content.