Evaluating the Modified-Shortened Token Test as a Working Memory and Language Assessment Tool

Area of Science:

• Child language development
• Cognitive psychology
• Clinical linguistics

Background:

• Working memory and linguistic knowledge are closely linked in language processing.
• Verbal working memory is a key factor influencing language performance.
• A clinical tool is needed to evaluate children's working memory and language abilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the Token Test can differentiate between verbal working memory and linguistic knowledge.
• To assess the Token Test's utility in clinical settings for understanding language performance.

Main Methods:

• Experiment 1: 257 children (4-7 years) completed a Modified-Shortened Token Test with varying command length and complexity.
• Experiment 2: 24 kindergarteners completed the Modified-Shortened Token Test alongside other memory and language assessments.

Main Results:

• Factor analysis identified three constructs: verbal working memory, linguistic ability, and attention.
• Sentence recall and formulation correlated with the Token Test's working memory demands.
• Following directions and word structure correlated with the Token Test's linguistic factor.

Conclusions:

• The modified Token Test shows promise as a clinical tool for evaluating language performance.
• Differential performance on the Token Test can indicate specific verbal working memory and linguistic knowledge abilities.