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The concept of dimension is important because every mathematical equation linking physical quantities must be dimensionally consistent, implying that mathematical equations must meet the following two rules. The first rule is that, in an equation, the expressions on each side of the equal sign must have the same dimensions. This is fairly intuitive since we can only add or subtract quantities of the same type (dimension). The second rule states that, in an equation, the arguments of any of the...
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An Operant Intra-/Extra-dimensional Set-shift Task for Mice
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Exploring the dimensionality of digit span.

Stephen C Bowden1, Vilija M Petrauskas, Fiona J Bardenhagen

  • 1Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. sbowden@unimelb.edu.au

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|August 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Digit Span forward and backward scores measure the same cognitive ability. Confirmatory factor analysis in neuroscience patients and seizure disorder samples supports interpreting these scores as a single working memory construct.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychometrics
  • Cognitive Psychology

Background:

  • The Digit Span subtest assesses working memory and freedom from distractibility.
  • Prior research suggests potential differences in interpreting forward versus backward Digit Span scores.
  • Understanding the underlying structure of Digit Span is crucial for accurate cognitive assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the dimensionality of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III Digit Span (forward and backward) in neuroscience patients.
  • To determine if forward and backward Digit Span items represent a single cognitive ability or distinct factors.
  • To validate the findings in an independent sample with seizure disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of Digit Span items in a heterogeneous neuroscience patient sample (n=267).
  • The proposed model was cross-validated in a sample of patients with seizure disorders (n=223).
  • Measurement invariance testing was conducted to assess the generalizability of the findings across groups.

Main Results:

  • Confirmatory factor analysis suggested a four-correlated-factor model underlying Digit Span, differentiating between easy and hard items for both forward and backward presentation.
  • Cross-validation in the seizure disorders sample supported the proposed factor structure.
  • Measurement invariance tests confirmed that the Digit Span scores maintain their meaning across different groups.

Conclusions:

  • Forward and backward Digit Span scores should be interpreted as measures of the same underlying cognitive ability, specifically working memory.
  • The study provides robust psychometric evidence for the unidimensionality of Digit Span when considering item difficulty and presentation order.
  • These findings have implications for the accurate assessment and interpretation of working memory in clinical and research settings.