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Comparison of computerized and examiner-administered neurobehavioral testing techniques
J Agnew1, B S Schwartz, K I Bolla
1Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Newly developed computerized neurobehavioral tests show strong validity compared to traditional examiner-administered tests for simple visual reaction time and attention-concentration. Regression analyses revealed factors influencing test performance, aiding in understanding format differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Health
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Neurobehavioral tests are crucial for assessing cognitive function in occupational settings.
- Traditional examiner-administered tests have established validity, but computerized versions offer potential advantages.
- Solvent-exposed workers represent a population where subtle neurobehavioral changes may occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the validity of newly developed computerized neurobehavioral tests against their examiner-administered counterparts.
- To investigate the relationship between different test formats (computer vs. examiner) within the same functional domains.
- To identify factors influencing performance differences between test formats.
Main Methods:
- Employed a multitrait-multimethod correlation matrix to assess test validity.
- Utilized linear regression modeling on difference scores between paired tests (computer vs. examiner).
- Compared performance on four pairs of tests in 185 solvent-exposed paint manufacturing workers.
Main Results:
- The multitrait-multimethod technique confirmed validity for simple visual reaction time and attention-concentration (digit symbol substitution) tests.
- Linear regression indicated that age, vocabulary, solvent exposure, and manual dexterity differentially affected digit symbol substitution and visual memory test pairs.
- The regression approach showed promise in discerning similarities and differences between test formats.
Conclusions:
- Computerized neurobehavioral tests, particularly for reaction time and attention, demonstrate comparable validity to examiner-administered versions.
- Factors such as age and solvent exposure influence performance, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of computerized test results.
- Linear regression modeling is a valuable tool for understanding the nuances of different neurobehavioral test formats.