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The reliability and stability of verbal working memory measures
Gloria S Waters1, David Caplan
1Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, USA. gwaters@bu.edu
Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers : a Journal of the Psychonomic Society, Inc
|January 30, 2004
Summary
This study evaluated verbal working memory tests across age groups. Composite measures improved reliability and classification stability, suggesting their superiority for accurate assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Aging
Background:
- Verbal working memory is crucial for cognitive function.
- Assessing its psychometric properties is vital for reliable research and clinical use.
- Age-related changes in working memory require validated measurement tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties of common verbal working memory span measures.
- To examine the influence of age on these measures.
- To assess the reliability and stability of classifying individuals based on memory span.
Main Methods:
- 139 individuals across five age groups (18-80+) were tested twice on seven verbal working memory tasks.
- Measures included alphabet span, digit spans, and sentence spans.
- Test-retest reliability and classification stability were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Age significantly affected performance on most tasks.
- Internal consistency was adequate; test-retest correlations were generally good (except for missing digit span).
- Classification stability varied, with quartile-based grouping being more reliable than single-score cutoffs.
Conclusions:
- Composite working memory measures enhance test-retest reliability and classification stability.
- Six of seven tasks reflected a common underlying working memory factor.
- Using composite scores is recommended for more robust assessment of verbal working memory across age groups.