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In the fourth edition of the test (WAIS-IV), the subtests Digit Span and Letter-Number Sequencing are expanded for better measurement of working memory (WM). The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) is one of the most frequently used tests among psychologists. Measuring Working Memory With Digit Span and the Letter-Number Sequencing Subtests From the WAIS-IV: Too Low Manipulation Load and Risk for Underestimating Modality Effects. Results supported measurement invariance and it was concluded that forward and backward digit span scores should be interpreted as measures of the same cognitive ability. Measurement invariance tests of the precise numerical generalization of trait estimation across groups. The model for Digit Span was then cross-validated in a seizure disorders sample (n = 223) by replication of the CFA and by examination of measurement invariance. Results suggested that four correlated factors underlie Digit Span, reflecting easy and hard items in both forward and backward presentation orders. The present study explored the dimensionality of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III Digit Span (forward and backward) items in a sample of heterogeneous neuroscience patients (n = 267) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for dichotomous items. Some published research suggests that Digit Span forward should be interpreted differently from Digit Span backward. The Digit Span subtest from the Wechsler Scales is used to measure Freedom from Distractibility or Working Memory. The weak association of Digit Span and the Test of Everyday Attention, along with the finding that Picture Completion was a better predictor of performance on the Test of Everyday Attention, question the clinical utility of using Digit Span as a measure of everyday attention.Įxploring the dimensionality of digit span.īowden, Stephen C Petrauskas, Vilija M Bardenhagen, Fiona J Meade, Catherine E Simpson, Leonie C Picture Completion was a somewhat stronger predictor (accounting for 19% of the unique variance). Analysis indicated that, although Digit Span was a weak but statistically significant predictor of attentional ability (accounting for 12.7% of the unique variance). In addition, the more visually oriented Picture Completion subtest along with the verbally loaded National Adult Reading Test were administered. This study investigated the effectiveness of the WAIS-III Digit Span subtest to predict the everyday attention of 75 participants with heterogeneous neurological conditions who were administered the Digit Span subtest as well as the ecologically valid Test of Everyday Attention. Strong specificity and moderate sensitivity were observed, and optimal cutting scores are recommended.ĭigit Span as a measure of everyday attention: a study of ecological validity. Similarly, no differences were found between the Digit Span subtest from the WAIS or Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). No significant differences were found between RDS and DS-ACSS. RDS and DS-ACSS effectively discriminated between honest responders and dissimulators, with average weighted effect sizes of 1.34 and 1.08, respectively. Twenty-four studies utilizing the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Digit Span subtest-either the Reliable Digit Span (RDS) or Age-Corrected Scaled Score (DS-ACSS) variant-for malingering detection were meta-analytically reviewed to evaluate their effectiveness in detecting malingered neurocognitive dysfunction. Jasinski, Lindsey J Berry, David T R Shandera, Anni L Clark, Jessica A Use of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Digit Span subtest for malingering detection: a meta-analytic review.
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