Robert M. Gray

Factor structure of the halstead-reitan neuropsychological test battery for older children

Abstract The underlying dimensions of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery for Older Children (HRNB-C) were examined for a large sample of school-referred children. First, a principal components analysis (PCA) of 17 HRNB-C subtests produced a seven-factor solution that accounted for 76% of the original variance. In the second phase, analysis of 31 scores from the HRNB-C, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R & WISC-III), and achievement tests produced a nine-factor solution accounting for 67% of the variance. Principal factor analyses (PFA) of these data were performed to permit comparison with the PCA solutions. The PFA and PCA solutions were similar and conclusions about factor structure were comparable. It is suggested that the use of factor/index scores may provide an additional approach to interpretation of the HRNB-C and guidelines for estimating factor scores are provided. Initial attempts at establishing construct validity are described, along with estimates of reliabilit...

Factor structure of the Reitan-Indiana neuropsychological battery for children

The Reitan-Indiana Neuropsychological Battery (RINB) was administered to a sample of children referred for educational and behavioral problems (N = 130). Subtest scores were standardized by age at 1-year intervals (6, 7, and 8 years). A principal components analysis (PCA) with promax rotation of 18 subtest scores produced a five-factor solution. Factor 1 emphasizes tactile/spatial functions, Factor 2 emphasizes concept formation and visual/spatial abilities, Factor 3 reflects motor strength, Factor 4 emphasizes sensory perception, and Factor 5 reflects motor speed. Principal factor analysis (PFA) of these data was performed to permit comparison with the PCA solutions. The PFA and PCA solutions were similar and major conclusions about factor structure were consis tent.

Factor analysis of the intermediate category test

This study examined the factor structure of the six subtests of the Intermediate Category Test in a heterogeneous sample of school-referred students, age 9 to 14 years. A three-factor solution emerged that accounted for approximately 72% of the total variance. This indicates that the test measures multiple underlying constructs in this school-referred sample. Clinical and educational interpretations may be enhanced by utilizing factor scores that reflect the multiple abilities assessed. Recommendations for developing factor/index scores are provided.

Modal profiles for the Halstead-Reitan neuropsychological battery for children

Modal Profile Analysis was used to cluster students (aged 9 to 14 years) on 16 subtest scores from the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery for Children (HRNB-C). This analysis produced eight modal profile types, all of which were replicated in multiple samples. An initial attempt to establish external validity indicated that the modal groups display dissimilar patterns of performance on independent variables. The present typology is compared to similar typologies developed with adult neuropsychological data. In sum, the current classification system provided less coverage than the adult typologies, but produced more unique or homogeneous modal groups. Discussion focuses on potential clinical and research uses of the modal HRNB-C profiles.

USE OF THE LONG VS SHORT FORM OF THE SPEECH SOUNDS PERCEPTION TEST IN A SCHOOL-AGE POPULATION '

A sample of 645 school-age children, ages 9 to 14 years, were administered independent forms of the Speech Sounds Perception Test for older children. 328 subjects took the complete test (SSPT-60) and 317 were administered only the first 30 items (SSPT-30). Comparison of mean errors indicated that significantly more errors were made by subjects given the SSPT-30. Decisions regarding the use of each form for school-age children are discussed.

Internal Consistency of Three Tests from the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery for Older Children.

The internal consistency of three neuropsychological tests was examined in a sample of 334 referred children (9-14 years of age). Coefficient alpha was calculated to estimate reliability on the Seashore Rhythm Test (SRT), two forms of the Speech Sounds Perception Test (SSPT), and the Aphasia Screening Test (AST). The standard SSPT appears to have relatively good internal consistency with an average coefficient of .81. The average coefficient for the abbreviated form of the SSPT was considerably lower (i.e., .73), highlighting the superiority of the standard form in clinical practice. Internal consistency of the SRT was relatively low (i.e., .67). This level of reliability may be acceptable in group research and for component tests, but is marginal for independent clinical use. Coefficient alpha for the AST was moderate (i.e., .77), suggesting adequate reliability for a screening test. These reliability estimates are compared to those obtained in previous studies using these tests in adult samples and with other tests commonly used with children.