Forward and backward memory span should not be combined for clinical analysis.
Abstract
The practice of combining forward and backward memory span, as represented so prominently on the various Wechsler Scales, to arrive at a composite score for clinical interpretation is examined historically and actuarially using a large (N = 1,342) nationally stratified random sample of children from ages 5 years through 19 years. Past literature does not support the additive nature of forward and backward memory span as elements of a common process. Factor analyses of forward and backward recall using both digits and letters indicate that the two memory processes are distinct as well and should not be combined for clinical interpretation.
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The measures used in prior studies might not be sensitive enough to detect small changes induced by experimental manipulations in young, healthy subjects.
“These measures might not be sensitive enough to detect small changes induced by experimental manipulations in young, healthy subjects [38], [39], [40].”
From Dose-dependent effects of endotoxin on neurobehavioral functions in humans (2011) · cites this paper as [38]
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- Authors
- Reynolds, C. R.
- Affiliations
- Texas A&M University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Reynolds, C. R.
- Venue
- Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 1997-01-01
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 29-40
- ISSN
- 0887-6177 (ISSN-L)
- 1873-5843
- OpenAlex
- W2099143141
- Cited by
- 204
- References
- 23
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 15 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 14 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 5 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 7.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Cognitive Abilities and Testing
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Psychological Testing and Assessment
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Developmental and Educational Neuropsychology
- Keywords
- composite score, Wechsler scales, memory processes, digit recall, letter recall, factor analysis, clinical interpretation, children
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