Abstract
Background. The Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) software consists of over one-hundred computerized tests based on classic and novel cognitive neuropsychology and behavioral neurology measures. Although the PEBL tests are becoming more widely utilized, there is currently very limited information about the psychometric properties of these measures.Methods. Study I examined inter-relationships among nine PEBL tests including indices of motor-function (Pursuit Rotor and Dexterity), attention (Test of Attentional Vigilance and Time-Wall), working memory (Digit Span Forward), and executive-function (PEBL Trail Making Test, Berg/Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Iowa Gambling Test, and Mental Rotation) in a normative sample (N = 189, ages 18–22). Study II evaluated test–retest reliability with a two-week interest interval between administrations in a separate sample (N = 79, ages 18–22).Results. Moderate intra-test, but low inter-test, correlations were observed and ceiling/floor effects were uncommon. Sex differences were identified on the Pursuit Rotor (Cohen’s d = 0.89) and Mental Rotation (d = 0.31) tests. The correlation between the test and retest was high for tests of motor learning (Pursuit Rotor time on target r = .86) and attention (Test of Attentional Vigilance response time r = .79), intermediate for memory (digit span r = .63) but lower for the executive function indices (Wisconsin/Berg Card Sorting Test perseverative errors = .45, Tower of London moves = .15). Significant practice effects were identified on several indices of executive function.Conclusions. These results are broadly supportive of the reliability and validity of individual PEBL tests in this sample. These findings indicate that the freely downloadable, open-source PEBL battery (http://pebl.sourceforge.net) is a versatile research tool to study individual differences in neurocognitive performance.
Highlights
A large collection of classic tests from the behavioral neurology and cognitive psychology fields have been computerized and made available
Study I: normative behavior & inter-test associations The nine Psychology Experiment Building Language (PEBL) tests may be organized into the following broad domains: motor function (Pursuit Rotor and Dexterity), Attention (Test of Attentional Vigilance and Time-Wall), Working-Memory (Digit Span), and Executive Functioning/Decision Making (Trail Making Test, Tower of London, Berg Card Sorting Test, Iowa Gambling Test, and the Mental Rotation Test)
On the Pursuit Rotor, the total time on target was greater in males (47.6 ± 6.0) than females (41.8 ± 7.0 s, t(182) = 5.79, P < .0005, Table 2 Spearman correlations between tests on the Psychology Experimental Building Language (PEBL) battery including Response Time (RT)
Summary
A large collection of classic tests from the behavioral neurology and cognitive psychology fields have been computerized and made available (http://pebl.sf.net). The distributors of some commercial tests restrict test availability to those who have completed specific coursework whereas PEBL is available to anyone with an internet connection This investigation reports on the use of nine PEBL measures including convergent and divergent validity (Study I) and test–retest reliability (Study II). These results are broadly supportive of the reliability and validity of individual PEBL tests in this sample These findings indicate that the freely downloadable, open-source PEBL battery (http://pebl.sourceforge.net) is a versatile research tool to study individual differences in neurocognitive performance
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
