Overcoming the Challenge of Re-assessing Logical Memory

Abstract

Practice effects present a challenge for neuropsychological re-assessments. Insufficiently controlled test-learning effects could result in “improved” test scores on re-assessment, which could wrongly be interpreted as recovery when in fact the underlying cognitive function has remained unchanged or deteriorated. Logical memory is highly sensitive to practice effects. Clients often remember the commonly used stimulus stories of the Wechsler Memory Scales (WMS) in subsequent re-assessments. Therefore alternative test stimuli are needed for research and clinical practice. This study undertook the development and statistical evaluation of a new set of logical memory stories, which can be utilised interchangeably with the traditional Wechsler stories. Empirical testing with different client groups (n = 240) confirmed that the newly created test stimuli have highly compatible structural and statistical properties to the WMS stories.

Keywords:

• Practice effect
• Neuropsychological assessment
• Logical memory
• Wechsler Memory Scale