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Use of the everyday memory questionnaire with children
Karen Drysdale1, Arthur Shores, Wayne Levick
1School of Behavioural Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308 NSW, Australia. Karen.Drysdale@newscastle.edu.au
Summary
The Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ) shows potential for assessing memory in children aged 10 and up. While sensitive, its accuracy in identifying memory deficits needs further research, especially in clinical populations.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- The Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ) is a parent-reported tool for memory assessment.
- Its utility in pediatric populations requires validation against standardized memory tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychometric properties and diagnostic utility of the EMQ for assessing memory in children.
- To determine the EMQ's validity and reliability across different age groups (6-12 years).
Main Methods:
- Parents (N=226) of school children (6-12 years) completed the EMQ.
- A subset of children (N=101) completed memory subtests from the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML).
- The EMQ's diagnostic accuracy was compared between a general school group and children with ADHD/learning disorders.
Main Results:
- Moderate correlations between EMQ and WRAML verbal memory were found in 10-year-olds.
- Moderate correlations between EMQ and WRAML visual memory were observed in 6-year-olds.
- The EMQ demonstrated high sensitivity (89%) but low positive predictive power (40%) for memory deficits, with high negative predictive power.
Conclusions:
- The EMQ may be a useful tool for memory assessment in children aged 10 years and older.
- Further research is needed to establish the EMQ's clinical utility, particularly in children with primary memory deficits.
- The EMQ's high sensitivity suggests it can effectively screen for potential memory issues, but further diagnostic steps are necessary.