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Forward and backward memory span should not be combined for clinical analysis.
1Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4225, USA.
Summary
Combining forward and backward memory span scores on Wechsler Scales is not supported by research. Factor analysis shows these memory processes are distinct and should not be combined for clinical interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Child Development
Background:
- The Wechsler Scales commonly combine forward and backward memory span into a composite score.
- Clinical interpretation often relies on this combined score for assessing memory abilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To historically and actuarially examine the practice of combining forward and backward memory span scores.
- To determine if forward and backward memory span represent a common underlying process.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large, nationally stratified random sample of 1,342 children aged 5 to 19 years.
- Historical review of relevant literature.
- Factor analyses of forward and backward recall using digits and letters.
Main Results:
- Past literature does not support the additive nature of forward and backward memory span.
- Factor analyses indicate that forward and backward memory recall are distinct cognitive processes.
- The combination of these scores for clinical interpretation is not actuarially supported.
Conclusions:
- Forward and backward memory span are distinct cognitive processes.
- Combining these distinct processes into a single composite score for clinical interpretation is not recommended.
- Future clinical assessments should consider these memory spans separately.