Predicting Neuropsychological Impairment by Screening Instruments and Intellectual Evaluation Indices: Implications for the Meaning of Kaufman's Factor III

Abstract

Neuropsychological impairment, as evaluated by the Halstead Impairment Index, was predicted on the basis of intellectual test scores, impairment indices from the intellectual test, and organic screening instruments. Traditional screening indices and tests performed relatively poorly, but a linear combination of Kaufman's Factor III scores and errors on the Benton Visual Retention Test yielded the best prediction of impairment. Kaufman's Factor III score, generally considered as Freedom from Distractibility, was the better of the two predictors. The exclusion of the remaining indicators of impairment did not significantly alter the regression results. The final over-all prediction gave correct classification of 82% of the cases, with a multiple R of .62. These results were considered to indicate attentional processes may be central signs of cortical dysfunction. Methodological issues require cross-validation of these results, but the results also suggested the desirability of further research on the relationship between attentional processes and neuropsychological impairment.