Multivariate Base Rates of Low Scores on Tests of Learning and Memory among Spanish-Speaking Children

Dev Neuropsychol. 2020 Jul;45(4):189-199. doi: 10.1080/87565641.2019.1706519. Epub 2019 Dec 25.

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of low scores on two neuropsychological tests commonly used to evaluate learning and memory in children. 6,030 healthy children from 10 countries in Latin America and Spain were administered Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) and the Test de Aprendizaje y Memoria Verbal-Infantil (TAMV-I). Results showed that low scores are common when multiple neuropsychological outcomes (tests and/or scores) are evaluated in healthy individuals. Clinicians should consider the higher probability of low scores in a given individual when evaluating learning and memory using various sets of scores to reduce false-positive diagnoses of cognitive deficits in pediatric populations.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / ethnology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / ethnology
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Latin America
  • Male
  • Memory
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*