Stability of Cognitive Measures in Children of Average Ability

Abstract

Fifty-nine normal Dutch children in the age range of 4.4–12.3 years performed a wide battery of tests three times, each with a test-retest interval of 6 months. Stability coefficients and mean change in score of the Verbal (VIQ), Performance (PIQ), and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) were 0.78, 0.68, and 0.78, respectively. Up to 58% of the subjects showed a significant change in WISC-R IQ scores. VIQ, PIQ, and FSIQ stability coefficients of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) were 0.69, 0.79, and 0.84, respectively. The Stroop cards showed excellent reliability; the Dutch version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Rey Complex Figure Task, Beery Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, and Trail Making Test Part B showed fairly good reliability; and the Trail Making Test Part A and relative score of the memory tests yielded poor reliability.