Factor analyses across lifespan: based on composite scores derived from the Rey - Auditory Verbal Learning Test...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Rey AVLT) is widely used to assess verbal memory.
• Understanding the underlying factor structure of the Rey AVLT scores is crucial for accurate interpretation.
• Investigating the stability of this structure across different age groups is essential for lifespan applicability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the factor structure of Rey AVLT total and composite scores using factor analyses.
• To determine if the identified factor structure remains constant across the lifespan (ages 8-91).

Main Methods:

• Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was applied to six total scores and seven composite scores (including process scores) from a large sample (n=1471).
• Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted on five distinct age cohorts: 8-12, 13-17, 20-29, 30-59, and 60-91 years.
• Analyses utilized both unconstrained and constrained rotation methods to identify the underlying factor structure.

Main Results:

• In Phase I (total scores), a three-factorial model of Learning, Storage, and Retrieval emerged under constrained rotation.
• In Phase II (composite scores), a three-factorial model of Learning, Storage, and Retrieval was identified.
• Phase III confirmed the stability of this three-factor model across all five age cohorts, with similar factor loading parameters observed universally.

Conclusions:

• The Rey AVLT is underpinned by three distinct memory processes: Learning, Storage, and Retrieval.
• These three memory processes are stable and consistent throughout the lifespan, from childhood to old age.
• Findings support a conceptually driven diagnostic approach, enabling clinicians to identify specific memory deficits or strengths based on Rey AVLT score patterns.