Factor analyzing the Norwegian MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) is designed to assess seven cognitive domains using 10 subtests.
• The proposed domain structure of the MCCB has not been empirically validated.
• Previous studies in US samples suggested a three-factor structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the dimensional structure of the Norwegian version of the MCCB.
• To investigate the contribution of individual subtests to the overall MCCB sum score.

Main Methods:

• Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were applied to the Norwegian MCCB scores.
• Regression analysis was used to determine subtest contributions.
• The study included 131 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 300 healthy controls.

Main Results:

• The theoretical MCCB factor structure was not supported in the Norwegian sample.
• Three-factor and two-factor models demonstrated acceptable fit in the patient group.
• Symbol Coding, Spatial Span, Letter-Number Span, and Visual Learning subtests were significant contributors to the sum score.

Conclusions:

• The theoretical domain structure of the MCCB was not replicated in Norwegian participants.
• Factor analysis in both Norwegian and US samples yielded similar, albeit different from the original, cognitive domains.
• Subtests such as Symbol Coding, Working Memory, and Learning appear most sensitive to general neurocognitive performance.