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Measuring working memory in the Spanish population: Validation of a multiple shortened complex span task
Mireia Felez-Nobrega1, Jeffrey L Foster2, Anna Puig-Ribera1
1Sport and Physical Activity Research Group.
Psychological Assessment
|April 14, 2017
Summary
Shortened complex span tasks (CSTs) were validated in Spanish, offering a reliable way to measure working memory capacity (WMC). This provides a standardized assessment for Spanish-speaking university students.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Working memory capacity (WMC) is crucial for higher-order cognitive functions and daily activities.
- Complex span tasks (CSTs) are standard measures of WMC, but can be time-consuming.
- Shorter CST versions exist but require validation in diverse linguistic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a Spanish translation of shortened complex span tasks (CSTs).
- To assess the reliability and validity of these tasks for measuring working memory capacity (WMC) in Spanish speakers.
Main Methods:
- Translated and administered shortened English CSTs (operation span, symmetry span, rotation span) to 325 Spanish university students.
- Calculated Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency.
- Evaluated validity by correlating CST scores with reasoning measures (Raven's Matrices, Number Series) and using confirmatory factor analysis.
Main Results:
- The Spanish version of the shortened CSTs demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency.
- Validity evidence supported the use of these tasks for assessing WMC.
- Confirmatory factor analysis supported the construct validity of the Spanish CSTs.
Conclusions:
- The shortened Spanish CSTs provide a valid and reliable tool for assessing WMC in university students.
- This validation is a crucial step towards a standardized WMC assessment for the Peninsular Spanish-speaking population.