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Factorial structure of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test
K W Greve1, J Brooks, J A Crouch
1Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, LA 70148, USA.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|May 1, 1997
Summary
This study explored the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) structure in students and clinical groups. Findings reveal two key factors: executive function and attentional abilities, aiding WCST validity assessment.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a widely used neuropsychological tool.
- Its factorial structure requires further clarification for precise interpretation.
- Understanding WCST's underlying cognitive components is crucial for clinical and research applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the factorial structure of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).
- To examine the WCST's factor composition in both healthy university students and a mixed clinical population.
- To provide a basis for enhanced construct validation and application of the WCST.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis was employed to analyze WCST performance data.
- The study included a sample of 135 normal university students.
- A mixed clinical sample of 139 participants was also included in the analysis.
Main Results:
- Two highly stable orthogonal factors emerged from the analysis.
- Factor I accounted for 70% of the variance and was interpreted as undifferentiated executive function.
- Factor II accounted for 21% of the variance and may relate to attentional function.
Conclusions:
- The WCST appears to measure distinct executive and attentional cognitive abilities.
- These findings support further examination of the WCST's construct validity.
- The results have significant implications for the interpretation and application of WCST in clinical and research settings.