The relationship of scoring treatment and age in perceptual-integrative performance

The present study was designed to reexamine the hypothesis that timed perceptual-integrative performance tests are negatively biased measures of the abilities of the elderly. Unlike an earlier study by Doppelt and Wallace (1955) which did not support this hypothesis, the current study consisted of a college-age group in addition to the elderly group, and also included an additional scoring treatment. Each subject was tested with the WAIS Block Design and Object Assembly. Tests were scored in three ways: (1) Standard scoring (WAIS Manual); (2) "regular" scoring (timed, omitting bonus points); (3) "Irregular" scoring (untimed, omitting bonus points). For both tests, Age, Scoring, and the Age by Scoring ineraction were significant. Post hoc analyses for significant effects suggest that the elderly are helped most by additional solution time, whereas younger adults derive greater benefits from the bonus points for quick performance. The results also suggest that subjects must be of sufficiently high ability to effectively use increased or unlimited solution time.