Revisiting the factor structure and construct validity of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire.
Zachary T Goodman1, Kiara R Timpano1, Maria M Llabre1
1Department of Psychology.
Psychological Assessment
|April 4, 2022
Summary
The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) measures daily cognitive errors. Research shows it functions as a single global measure of subjective cognitive difficulties, not specific domains.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) is a widely used self-report measure for daily cognitive errors.
- Its psychometric properties and construct validity are not fully understood despite its common use in clinical research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the factor structure and external validity of the CFQ.
- To determine if the CFQ measures specific cognitive domains or a global construct.
Main Methods:
- Confirmatory factor analysis was used to compare previously published CFQ factor structures.
- CFQ latent variables were correlated with neuropsychological task performance and measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity).
Main Results:
- A single-factor model provided the best fit for the data, suggesting the CFQ measures global subjective cognitive difficulties.
- CFQ scores did not predict objective neuropsychological performance but were associated with psychological distress symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The CFQ appears to be a global measure of subjective cognitive difficulties.
- Using CFQ subscales based on prior factor structures may be misleading; a single global score is recommended.
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