Factor analysis of the Wechsler Memory Scale: is the associate learning subtest an unclear measure?

A factor analysis of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) with 30-minute delayed recall scores (percent retained) for the Logical Memory, Visual Reproduction, and Associate Learning subtests indicated that this variant of the WMS taps different types of learning and memory for new material. With regard to the verbal learning/recall subtests, Logical Memory appears to be related to attention/ concentration ability, while Associate Learning is relatively independent. The results also showed that both the easy and hard items from Associate Learning tap the same ability, providing evidence that this subtest is a measure of rote verbal learning. These results support the clinical utility of the WMS with delayed recalls in neuropsychiatric populations.