The effect of cognitive, personality, and background factors on the WAIS-III Arithmetic subtest

In the Wechsler system the Arithmetic subtest has been viewed as a measure of concentration, working memory, or freedom from distractibility. However, a wide range of other influences on Arithmetic performance has been proposed. The current study was intended to examine these to further characterize what is measured by the Arithmetic subtest. Participants were 118 adults referred for neuropsychological assessment. The results indicate a strong association between WAIS-III Arithmetic and the other WMI (Working Memory Index) subtests. Arithmetic also showed a high association with Arithmetic skill and verbal memory. Moderate contributions to Arithmetic performance were found for most other cognitive measures. Measures of anxiety and of background factors, such as perceived difficulty learning Arithmetic, were weakly related to Arithmetic scores. These results suggest that although Arithmetic may be considered a measure of concentration or working memory, many other factors influence it and its specificity as a concentration measure is limited.