Computerized vs. Experimenter Controlled Administration of the Matching Familiar Figures Test: Mean Test Scores and Reliabilities

Abstract

The Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) is a well-known instrument designed to measure the cognitive style reflection impulsivity. In the present study, a computerized MFFT version for the Apple MacIntosh (MacMFFT) is compared to the traditional, experimenter controlled MFFT. For a group of 80 subjects, age 17-21, no differences were found between internal consistencies and test-retest reliabilities of the MacMFFT and those of the MFFT. However, subjects took longer times and made less errors for the MacMFFT than for the MFFT, which suggests a more `reflective' approach. As both reflectives and impulsives tended to behave more reflectively when tested with the MacMFFT, and because the inter-test correlations between the MFFT and the MacMFFT agreed with MFFT test-retest reliabilities, it is never—the less concluded that both tests measure the same construct. The more reflective approach to the MacMFFT is discussed as a novelty effect. Based on our results, the MacMFFT seems to offer a reasonable alternative to traditional MFFT administration to late adolescents and young adults.