The differential influence of computerized neuropsychological assessment across psychopathology

Objective: Novel technologies have transformed neuropsychological test administration so that research examining the equivalency of computerized versions of traditional tests is needed. This study examined the relationship between psychological symptom severity and performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) using the manual versus computerized administration.Method: Eighty-five participants were randomly assigned to the manual or computerized WCST administration and also completed the Dot Counting Test, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale. Moderation analyses examined the effects of depressive, anxiety, and impulsivity symptom severity on WCST performance.Results: For Perseverative Responses (PR), the methods of administration (MOAs) were equivalent regardless of psychological symptom severity. For failures to maintain set (FMS), MOA itself influenced performance, with participants making at least twice as many FMS on the computerized WCST. MOA also significantly moderated the relationship between FMS and impulsivity severity, including Lack of Perseverance, Sensation Seeking, and Positive Urgency. Individuals with greater Positive Urgency made more FMS on the manual WCST, and individuals with greater Lack of Perseverance made more FMS on the computerized WCST.Conclusions: Findings suggest that equivalence between the manual and computerized versions of the WCST depends on the WCST subscale and the type of psychological symptom. New normative data need to be developed for the computerized WCST, along with a more consistent method of scoring and interpreting WCST subscales.