Abstract
Neuropsychological testing is widely used for specialised placements within the military. Within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), there is concern about the representation of the normative information currently available for these tests. The letter cancellation test, a paper-and-pencil-based test used as a quick measure of attention, is subject to unstandardised administration and scoring procedures as well as broad cut-off scores. The aim of this study was to develop detailed administration and scoring procedures for the single and double letter cancellation test and to provide preliminary normative data on these versions of the test in the SANDF. A non-probability sampling strategy resulted in a sample of 292 participants. Normative data are provided for the total sample and classified into three performance categories: omissions, errors and time. Between-group comparisons indicated gender and age-related differences (but no differences for rank) in terms of time, and normative data are therefore also provided for related subgroups.
Highlights
Neuropsychological assessment is integral to clinical work (Lucas, 2013) and forms part of test batteries used in organisations such as mining, manufacturing, construction and the military
Attention was highlighted as a central neurocognitive skill that is necessary for highly specialised occupational duties as well as simple everyday functions in the military
Demographic variables of interest were age, gender and rank (15% are officers and 85% non-commissioned officers) (Defence Web, 2011; Martin, 2015). The latter refers to the level of seniority in terms of military rank and is regarded as relevant to assessment-related research conducted in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
Summary
Neuropsychological assessment is integral to clinical work (Lucas, 2013) and forms part of test batteries used in organisations such as mining, manufacturing, construction and the military. Psychological testing within the military has become invaluable in the assessment and preparation of its personnel. Nwafor and Adesuwa (2014) described the use of psychological testing within the military context as a process that takes place on a continuum, starting from recruitment where an individual is assessed, to job utilisations for promotions and placements, to special missions and the diagnosis and treatment of disorders, and this continues until their retirement. Within the South African military context, its personnel perform a wide array of functions and occupational duties each of which has its own specific requirements and criteria. Attention was highlighted as a central neurocognitive skill that is necessary for highly specialised occupational duties as well as simple everyday functions in the military. One of the major concerns in the field of psychological testing for this context is, ensuring that the normative data are representative in terms of military personnel
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