The purpose of the study was to examine the utility of profile analysis using the SCAD index of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III) and behavioral rating scales as brief and accessible elements of a standard neuropsychological battery by which to screen for deficits or assets within the interface between attention, executive functions, and working memory. An ancillary purpose was to examine the further role and diagnostic efficacy of using a continuous performance test of vigilance as a discriminating measure between specific clinical groups. Three subtypes of individuals referred to a diagnostic assessment clinic were identified by means of a three-stage cluster analysis in a sample of 86 children and adolescents on the basis of scores attained on specific neuropsychological, cognitive, and behavioral variables. It was also found that the assigned clusters exhibited a high degree of consistency with the individual diagnoses ultimately rendered during the evaluation. The variables which best discriminated the three subtypes were identified through a forward stepwise discriminant analysis and subjected to multiple validation procedures. The significant and discriminating variables included the SCAD Index, the Attention Problems and Hyperactivity scales of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) and the Perceptual Organization factor of the WISC-III. It was also determined that the overall index and a time-related measure from the Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CCPT) were indeed able to differentiate clinical groups. Functional and theoretical implications were addressed in terms of their relevance for examining the interface between attention, executive functions, and working memory as well as for the identification and treatment of those diagnosed with ADHD and LD, or individuals considered to be gifted or intellectually advanced. / Department of Educational Psychology
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182095 |
| Date | January 1998 |
| Creators | Woodin, Michael F. |
| Contributors | Gridley, Betty E. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | ix, 209 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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