Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

Computerized cognitive assessment batteries provide potentially valuable methods of assessing cognitive performance in field settings, but it often is difficult to follow recommendations for extensive baseline testing in these settings. The performance of male Norwegian military personnel (n = 36) on computerized tests of pattern recognition, memory, and spatial orientation tasks was studied to replicate and extend prior findings suggesting that valid measurements of cognitive functions can be obtained even when these recommendations cannot be followed. Structural equation models replicated prior findings that these cognitive tests produce performance measures with constant true score variance from the first session onward and constant error variance from the second session onward. Cross-validation of previously developed structural models indicated comparable error variances across samples, but differences in true score variance were observed which presumably represented sampling variance in the underlying cognitive abilities. These cognitive tests can produce valid results in field studies even when baseline sessions must be limited or omitted if the experimental design and analysis procedures control for other threats to validity (e.g. learning effects). (AN)