Redefining the factor structure of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III: confirmatory factor analysis with cross-validation

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2002 Aug;24(5):574-85. doi: 10.1076/jcen.24.5.574.1013.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to revisit the underlying factor structure of the Wechsler Memory Scale-III. The WMS-III Technical Manual (Wechsler, 1997) presented findings from confirmatory factor analyses that support a three- and five-factor solution with separate immediate and delayed memory factors. A rigorous structural equation modeling approach was used to examine the factor structure of the test. The results verify that a three-factor model composed of verbal (immediate and delayed), visual (immediate and delayed), and working memory factors accurately represents the factor structure of the WMS-III. Results were cross-validated on an independent sample.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological
  • Psychometrics
  • Reference Standards
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Wechsler Scales / standards
  • Wechsler Scales / statistics & numerical data*