Intraindividual Variability and Level of Performance in Four Visuo-Spatial Working Memory Tasks

2004 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 261-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Lecerf ◽  
Paolo Ghisletta ◽  
Céline Jouffray
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Intraindividual Variability ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Performance Variability ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Fitting Model

Intraindividual variability and level of performance in accuracy of four visuo-spatial working memory tasks were examined in sixty-two young adults. The objective was to study the relationships between intraindividual variability and level of performance and to assess whether intraindividual variability is a useful marker of cognitive functioning. Correlational and factor analyses were performed. Confirmatory factor analyses rejected a two-factor representation, with a first factor representing level of performance and a second factor representing intraindividual variability. The best fitting model specified one factor per task and estimated significant within-task correlations of intraindividual variability residual scores. Overall, these findings are consistent with the view that performance variability provides valuable information independent of level of performance and different from noise.

French Adaptation of the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI)

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinne Catale ◽  
Caroline Lejeune ◽  
Sarah Merbah ◽  
Thierry Meulemans
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Rating Instrument ◽  
Functioning Inventory ◽  
Test Retest Reliability

Thorell and Nyberg (2008 ) recently developed the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI), a new rating instrument for executive functioning in day-to-day life which can be divided into four subscales: working memory, planning, inhibition, and regulation. Using an exploratory factor analysis on data from young Swedish children attending kindergarten, Thorell and Nyberg (2008 ) found a two-factor solution that taps working memory and inhibition. In the present study, we explored the psychometric characteristics of the French adaptation of the CHEXI. A group of 95 parents of 5- and 6-year-old children completed the CHEXI, 87 of whom were given clinical inhibition and working memory tasks. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the two-factor solution based on inhibition and working memory that was identified in the original study of Swedish children. Supplementary results indicated good internal and test-retest reliability for the entire scale, as well as for the two subscales identified. Correlation analyses showed no relationship between cognitive measures and the CHEXI subscales. Possible clinical applications for the CHEXI scales are discussed.

Revisiting the Structure of the Short Dark Triad

Assessment ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn N. Persson ◽  
Petri J. Kajonius ◽  
Danilo Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Dark Triad ◽  
Specific Factor ◽  
General Factor ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Factor Loadings ◽  
The Past ◽  
S Factor ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Fitting Model

In the past decade, extensive interest has been directed toward the Dark Triad (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), popularly assessed by the Short Dark Triad (SD3). Nevertheless, relatively little research has been conducted on the SD3’s factor structure. We investigated the SD3’s psychometric properties in three studies with three independent samples, using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses ( N1 = 1,487; N2 = 17,740; N3 = 496). In all three studies, Machiavellianism and psychopathy items displayed large general factor loadings, and narcissism larger specific factor loadings. In subsequent studies, two- and three-factor models fitted the data similarly, with the best fitting model being a bifactor model with items from Machiavellianism and psychopathy modelled as one specific factor, and narcissism as a second specific factor. On this basis, we suggest that the SD3 does not seem to capture the different mental processes theorized to underlie the similar behaviors generated by Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Additionally, we recommend the use of a single SD3 composite score, and not subscale scores, as subscales contain small amounts of reliable variance beyond the general factor.

Working Memory as Separable Subsystems: a Study with Portuguese Primary School Children

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel S. Campos ◽  
Leandro S. Almeida ◽  
Aristides I. Ferreira ◽  
Luis F. Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Phonological Loop ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Visuospatial Sketchpad ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Visuospatial Information ◽  
Best Fit

AbstractAlthough much research has been done to study the working memory structure in children in their first school years, the relation of cognitive constructs involved in this process remains uncertain. In particular, it is unclear whether working memory is a domain general construct that coordinates separate codes of verbal and visuospatial storage or whether it is a domain-specific construct with distinct resources of verbal and visuospatial information. This paper investigates the structure of working memory, by using the Working Memory Test Battery for Children (WMTB-C) and by doing confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) on a sample of Portuguese children (n = 103) between 8 and 9 years of age. The results of the confirmatory factor analyses that provide the best fit of the data correspond to the model that includes Central Executive and Visuospatial Sketchpad in the same factor, co-varying with a Phonological Loop factor. Moreover, the traditional working memory tripartite structure – based on the Baddeley and Hitch Model – revealed good fit to the data.

scholarly journals Assessing Complex Problem-Solving Skills in Under 20 Minutes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Krieger ◽  
Matthias Stadler ◽  
Markus Bühner ◽  
Frank Fischer ◽  
Samuel Greiff
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Testing Time ◽  
Complex Problem Solving ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Problem Solving Skills ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Study Designs

Abstract. Rationale: Assessing complex problem-solving skills (CPS) is of great interest to many researchers. However, existing assessments require long testing times making them difficult to include in many studies and experiments. Here, we propose a specific composition of microworlds based on the MicroDYN approach, which allows for valid estimation of CPS in a substantially reduced amount of time (<20 min). Methods: Based on the reanalysis of a sample of N = 232 university students who worked on 11 microworlds of increasing difficulty, we conducted multiple confirmatory factor analyses to test all possible combinations of microworlds, which were theoretically justified in advance. Results/Discussion: We demonstrate one best fitting set with five microworlds, which shows excellent factorial validity and relates to both conventional measures of intelligence and to school grades. We hope that this will allow other researchers to include CPS into their study designs even when testing time is limited.

scholarly journals Working memory predictors of written mathematics in 7- to 8-year-old children

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie Allen ◽  
David Giofrè ◽  
Steve Higgins ◽  
John Adams
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Variance Partitioning ◽  
Individual Contribution ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Mathematical Performance ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

There is extensive evidence for the involvement of working memory in mathematical attainment. This study aims to identify the relative contributions of verbal, spatial-simultaneous, and spatial-sequential working memory measures in written mathematics. Year 3 children (7–8 years of age, n = 214) in the United Kingdom were administered a battery of working memory tasks alongside a standardised test of mathematics. Confirmatory factor analyses and variance partitioning were then performed on the data to identify the unique variance accounted for by verbal, spatial-simultaneous, and spatial-sequential measures. Results revealed the largest individual contribution was that of verbal working memory, followed by spatial-simultaneous factors. This suggests the components of working memory underpinning mathematical performance at this age are those concerning verbal-numeric and spatial-simultaneous working memory. Implications for educators and further research are discussed.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 among Brazilian Young Adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana C. S. Amaral ◽  
Mário S. Ribeiro ◽  
Maria A. Conti ◽  
Clécio S. Ferreira ◽  
Maria E. C. Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Psychometric Evaluation ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Intra Class Correlation ◽  
Sociocultural Attitudes ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

AbstractThe objective was evaluating the psychometric properties of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ–3) among Brazilian young adults of both genders. The sample was composed by 506 undergraduate students (295 females and 211 males), aged between 17 and 29 years old. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used for construct validity (N = 506). Correlations between the SATAQ–3 scores and those of the Tripartite Influence Scale (TIS) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were used for convergent validity. Reliability was assessed through internal consistency (α) and reproducibility (test-retest) through comparison of the means obtained at two different time points and through intra-class correlation. The scale presented a factor structure composed of five factors, replicated in the confirmatory factor analysis with satisfactory values for the measurements of adjustment to the model. Correlations with the BSQ and TIS scores were rho = .52 and rho = –.35, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were satisfactory, and their stability was demonstrated. Brazilian SATAQ–3 had good validity and reproducibility, being indicated for use in samples of Brazilian youths.

scholarly journals A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the “Autoconcepto Forma 5” Questionnaire in Young Adults from Spain and Chile

2011 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 648-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Fernando García ◽  
Gonzalo Musitu ◽  
Enrique Riquelme ◽  
Paula Riquelme
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Factorial Invariance ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

The aim of this work is to examine the pentafactorial validity of the AF5 Self-Concept Questionnaire in Spanish and Chilean young adults. From the responses of a total of 4,383 young adults aged 17 to 22 years (1,918 Spanish, 44%, and 2,465 Chilean, 56%) it was analyzed the reliability of the instrument, the compared validity of the 5 oblique factor model proposed by the authors versus the unifactorial and the orthogonal alternative models, and was studied the invariance of one Chilean sample. The results of confirmatory factor analyses supported the authors' pentafactorial model. The multi-group factorial invariance showed that Chilean sample of the AF5 does not change neither the Spanish factor weights, nor the variances and covariances of the factors, or the error variances of items. Finally, the internal consistency of the five scales was good in the samples of both countries.

The Resiliency Scale for Young Adults

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Prince-Embury ◽  
Donald H. Saklofske ◽  
David W. Nordstokke
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Factor Structure ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Divergent Validity ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Personal Resiliency ◽  
Three Factor

The Resiliency Scale for Young Adults (RSYA) is presented as an upward extension of the Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (RSCA). The RSYA is based on the three-factor model of personal resiliency including mastery, relatedness, and emotional reactivity. Several stages of scale development and studies leading to the current RSYA are described that provide construct validity (i.e., internal consistency, confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent–divergent validity) support for the three-factor structure and 10 subscales of this measure for young adults who are attending college. This work is a step in a longer-term project of translating the constructs of personal resiliency for application across the life span.

Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Iliceto ◽  
Emanuele Fino
Keyword(s):  
Second Order ◽  
Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Factor Solution ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Beck Hopelessness Scale ◽  
Order Factor ◽  
Model Invariance ◽  
Three Factor

The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is an instrument for assessing cognitive thoughts among suicidal persons. Previous studies have identified different factor structures of the BHS. However, results were not conclusive. The aim of this study was to test the factor structure of the BHS in a sample of Italian individuals (N = 509) from the community, and secondarily to investigate correlations between the BHS, depression (Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition), and personality traits (Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire). Following recommendations of previous investigations, we utilized a 5-point response format. We applied a second-order Confirmatory Factor Analyses and tested for the model invariance. The results suggest that besides a single second-order factor, a second-order three-factor solution is also reasonable, in line with Beck’s theorization.

Mindfulness or Mindlessness?

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volkmar Höfling ◽  
Helfried Moosbrugger ◽  
Karin Schermelleh-Engel ◽  
Thomas Heidenreich
Keyword(s):  
Construct Validity ◽  
Model Fit ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses ◽  
Mindful Attention ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Item Wording ◽  
Method Effects

The 15 items of the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan, 2003 ) are negatively worded and assumed to assess mindfulness. However, there are indications of differences between the original MAAS and a version with the positively rephrased MAAS items (“mirror items”). The present study examines whether the mindfulness facet “mindful attention and awareness” (MAA) can be measured with both positively and negatively worded items if we take method effects due to item wording into account. To this end, the 15 negatively worded items of the MAAS and additionally 13 positively rephrased items were assessed (N = 602). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) models with and without regard to method effects were carried out and evaluated by means of model fit. As a result, the positively and negatively worded items should be seen as different methods that influence the construct validity of mindfulness. Furthermore, a modified version of the MAAS (MAAS-Short) with five negatively worded items (taken from the MAAS) and five positively worded items (“mirror items”) was introduced as an alternative to assess MAA. The MAAS-Short appears superior to the original MAAS. The results and the limitations of the present study are discussed.

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