Reconsidering the RBANS Factor Structure: a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analytic Factor Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Psychometrics
• Cognitive Assessment

Background:

• The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) is a widely used cognitive assessment tool.
• Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding the underlying factor structure of the RBANS.
• A robust factor structure is crucial for accurate interpretation and application of cognitive test results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine the factor structure of the RBANS.
• To evaluate the validity and utility of the identified factor structure through confirmatory factor analysis.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy of factor scores derived from the RBANS factor structure.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed across multiple databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, etc.).
• A two-stage meta-analytic structural equation modeling approach was used to pool correlation matrices from 24 studies (N=5299).
• Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, followed by correlation and diagnostic accuracy analyses of computed factor scores.

Main Results:

• The theoretical five-factor model demonstrated the best fit, with specific error term inclusions.
• Regression-based factor scores exhibited mixed relationships with manually defined indices.
• The overall diagnostic accuracy of the factor scores was adequate, with AUC values of 0.71 and 0.87.

Conclusions:

• The five-factor model of the RBANS, identified through meta-analysis, provides a viable structure, contrary to some prior research.
• The model suggests areas for refinement, particularly in how indicators represent the latent factors.
• Further validation of the factor scores derived from this model is recommended for clinical and research applications.