Abstract
Medical professionals commonly use proverb interpretation as part of a screening process for cognitive deficiency. The value of using proverbs for this purpose was examined with a random sample of 205 English-speaking residents of suburban Adelaide. Subjects interpreted three proverbs typical of those used for assessment. Only 15% of subjects correctly interpreted all three proverbs, and over a quarter of subjects did not correctly interpret any proverb, suggesting that proverb interpretation may lack specificity in identifying cognitive deficits. Performance was influenced by age, sex, educational achievement, and occupational classification. Normative data, which can allow for the effects of these factors, are not usually available for individual proverbs. Proverb interpretation as a screening test for cognitive deficiency should be used with caution.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Australian Journal of Human Communication Disorders
Disclaimer: 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.