Cross-Validation of the Two- and Three-Subtest Short Forms of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised

Abstract

Researchers have noted the usefulness of an abbreviated form of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised. A number of studies have suggested that estimating General Memory and Delayed Recall scores using 3-subtest or 2-subtest equations decreases testing time without sacrificing reliability or clinical accuracy. The purpose of this study was to cross-validate previous results in a mixed clinical sample, as well as to examine the validity of the 2-subtest equations. Results of this study provide support for the use of the 3-subtest short form to estimate memory ability in normal and cognitively impaired patients. However, using only 2 subtests to estimate index scores resulted in a decline in predictive accuracy.