Evidence-based assessment of cognitive functioning in pediatric psychology

J Pediatr Psychol. 2008 Oct;33(9):999-1014; discussion 1015-20. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsm138. Epub 2008 Jan 13.

Abstract

Objective: To review the evidence base for measures of cognitive functioning frequently used within the field of pediatric psychology.

Methods: From a list of 47 measures identified by the Society of Pediatric Psychology (Division 54) Evidence-Based Assessment Task Force Workgroup, 27 measures were included in the review. Measures were organized, reviewed, and evaluated according to general domains of functioning (e.g., attention/executive functioning, memory).

Results: Twenty-two of 27 measures reviewed demonstrated psychometric properties that met "Well-established" criteria as set forth by the Assessment Task Force. Psychometric properties were strongest for measures of general cognitive ability and weakest for measures of visual-motor functioning and attention.

Conclusions: We report use of "Well-established" measures of overall cognitive functioning, nonverbal intelligence, academic achievement, language, and memory and learning. For several specific tests in the domains of visual-motor functioning and attention, additional psychometric data are needed for measures to meet criteria as "Well established."

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Attention
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / standards*
  • Humans
  • Intelligence
  • Learning Disabilities / diagnosis
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Memory
  • Neuropsychological Tests / standards*
  • Psychometrics / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Reproducibility of Results