General Intellectual Ability Research Articles

Análise dos itens da Triagem de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades / Superdotação

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to add new evidence of construct validity of the Teacher’s Rating Giftedness Screening Scale. The analysis of its items, in relation to the adjustment indices to the Graduated Response Model, as well as to interpret the sense of the scales formed by the items. Method: The sample was composed of 666 students (64.7% males). The instrument consisted of 42 items that assess five areas (general intellectual abilities, leadership, creativity, specific academic abilities, and artistic talent), being answered by 224 teachers. Results: The results indicated that all items had infit/outfit adjustment indexes within the expected value, between 0.5 and 1.5. The factor accuracy, estimated by the graduated response model, varied between 0.74 to 0.85. Conclusion: The results allowed the elaboration of an interpretation proposal referenced in the item, as well as the identification of the most effective items in discriminating individuals with above average ability level.

Towards the Validation of Executive Functioning Assessments: A Clinical Study.

Neuropsychological assessment needs a more profound grounding in psychometric theory. Specifically, psychometrically reliable and valid tools are required, both in patient care and in scientific research. The present study examined convergent and discriminant validity of some of the most popular indicators of executive functioning (EF). A sample of 96 neurological inpatients (aged 18-68 years) completed a battery of standardized cognitive tests (Raven's matrices, vocabulary test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, verbal fluency test, figural fluency test). Convergent validity of indicators of intelligence (Raven's matrices, vocabulary test) and of indicators of EF (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, verbal fluency test, figural fluency) were calculated. Discriminant validity of indicators of EF against indicators of intelligence was also calculated. Convergent validity of indicators of intelligence (Raven's matrices, vocabulary test) was good (rxtyt = 0.727; R2 = 0.53). Convergent validity of fluency indicators of EF against executive cognition as indicated by performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was poor (0.087 ≤ rxtyt ≤ 0.304; 0.008 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.092). Discriminant validity of indicators of EF against indicators of intelligence was good (0.106 ≤ rxtyt ≤ 0.548; 0.011 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.300). Our conclusions from these data are clear-cut: apparently dissimilar indicators of intelligence converge on general intellectual ability. Apparently dissimilar indicators of EF (mental fluency, executive cognition) do not converge on general executive ability. Executive abilities, although non-unitary, can be reasonably well distinguished from intellectual ability. The present data contribute to the hitherto meager evidence base regarding the validity of popular indicators of EF.

Neurocognitive Functions in Patients with Comorbid Hepatitis C and Opioid Dependence: A Comparative Study.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is commonly comorbid with opioid dependence (OD). We wanted to compare the neurocognitive functions of OD subjects with or without HCV [HCV (+), HCV (-)] and healthy controls (HC). We recruited 40 adult subjects (age 18-55 years) in each group. HCV(+) group had a detectable viral load. Subjects with HIV or hepatitis B infection, head injury, epilepsy, or comorbid mental illness were excluded. We administered Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), trail-making tests A and B, and verbal and visual N-back tests (NBT) one week after opioid abstinence. The group differences in cognitive performance were adjusted for age and years of education. Effect size (ES) is expressed as Cohen's D. The HCV(+) and HCV(-) groups did not differ in potential effect modifiers (age and years of education) or confounders (age of opioid initiation, duration of use, dependence severity, tobacco use, and cannabis use) of neuropsychological functioning. HCV(+) showed significantly poorer performance than HCV(-) in SPM (P = 0.006; ES = 0.72). Both HCV(+) and HCV(-) performed worse than controls in IGT(P < 0.001; ES = 0.8) and visual NBT[P < 0.01 and ES > 1 for total errors]; HCV(+) had a larger ES of group difference than HCV(-). HCV(+) had higher error scores in verbal NBT than control. HCV(+) has poorer general intellectual ability and reasoning than HCV(-) persons and controls. Chronic HCV infection causes a higher magnitude of dysfunction in decision-making and visual working memory in opioid-dependent individuals.

Current (but not ex) cigarette smoking is associated with worse cognitive performances in schizophrenia: results from the FACE-SZ cohort.

Tobacco use is common in subjects with schizophrenia (SZ) and has sometimes been associated with better functioning in short-term studies. Only few studies embrace an extensive examination of tobacco influence on clinical, cognitive and therapeutic characteristics in stabilized SZ outpatients. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between cognitive performances and smoking status in SZ subjects. In total, 1233 SZ participants (73.9% men, mean age 31.5) were included and tested with a comprehensive battery. Tobacco status was self-declared (never-, ex-, or current smokers). Multivariable analyses including principal component analyses (PCA) were used. In total, 53.7% were smokers with 33.7% of them nicotine-dependent. Multiple factor analysis revealed that current tobacco smoking was associated with impaired general intellectual ability and abstract reasoning (aOR 0.60, 95% IC 0.41-0.88, p = 0.01) and with a lifetime alcohol use disorder (p = 0.026) and a lifetime cannabis use disorder (p < 0.001). Ex- and never-smokers differed for age, mean outcome, cannabis history and medication [ex-smokers being older (p = 0.047), likely to have higher income (p = 0.026), a lifetime cannabis use disorder (p < 0.001) and higher CPZeq doses (p = 0.005)]. Premorbid IQ in the three groups significantly differed with, from higher to lower: ex-smokers, never-smoker, current smokers (all p < 0.001). This study is the largest to date providing strong evidence that chronic smoking is associated with cognitive impairment in SZ, arguing against the self-medication hypothesis as a contributor to the high prevalence of smoking in SZ. Ex-smokers may also represent a specific subgroup. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the developmental impact of tobacco on neurocognition.

Norm and Standardization Study for Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, 5-9 Age Group.

The aim of the present study was to test the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test for children in the 5-9 age group and to determine the psychometric attributes of this tool. Intelligence is a complex and abstract concept. Therefore, it is not possible to observe or measure directly. However, it helps experts to have an idea about the intelligence levels of people with the evaluation scales used. Nonverbal ability tests are also one of the assessment scale types used for this purpose. The study was conducted based on the general survey model. One district from each socioeconomic development region was selected via random assignment taking as a basis the socioeconomic development listing for the districts. The study was carried out with 753 children from 4 different socioeconomic development regions. Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3, Colored Progressive Matrices Test, and Denver II Developmental Screening Test were used for data collection. Cronbach Alpha reliability, test-retest reliability, and parallel form reliability were calculated during Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test reliability analyses. For validity analysis, the level of correlation between Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 and Colored Progressive Matrices Test tests was examined. It was determined that Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test has high reliability with an average reliability coefficient of .88. High correlation was observed between the A and B forms of Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test A (r = 0.93, P < .001) and during the test-retest analyses (0.87, 0.88). A statistically significant difference was determined between the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test scores and class level and age group, while a statistically significant difference could not be determined based on gender. A high, positive, and statistically significant correlation was determined between Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and Colored Progressive Matrices Test (r = 0.84, P < .001), whereas a moderate, positive, and statistically significant correlation was determined between Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test and Test of Nonverbal Intelligence-3 (r = 0.52, P < .001). The findings illustrate that Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test is a valid and reliable intelligence test for measuring general intellectual ability and for assessing reasoning skills.

Cognitive factors and educational placement affecting mathematical attainment in middle school students with mild intellectual disability

The study investigated the relationship between mathematics achievement, cognitive and motor skills, and general intellectual ability among seventy 10–12 years old students with mild intellectual disability (MID) attending regular school (n = 30) and special school (n = 40). The purpose of the study was to identify the critical deficits teachers need to consider when teaching mathematics at the secondary school level. The students attending regular schools had significantly higher fluid intelligence scores (p = 0.036), but we found no difference in the total score of the math achievement test. Special school students were more eager to use assistance and aids when solving math problems (p = 0.040). The study indicated significant associations between basic mathematical skills, verbal and visuospatial processing, and motor skills. Thus, it is essential to compensate for the delay of students' cognitive development to improve their basic mathematical skills and, in general, mathematical performance. The educational placement affects the willingness or ability to seek academic help when solving mathematical problems.

Skin Carotenoids and Diet Quality Are Associated With Intellectual Ability Among Preschool-Aged Children

ObjectivesCarotenoid status is positively associated with cognitive health among school-aged children. However, the influence of carotenoids on cognitive function in preschool-aged children is unclear. Additionally, it is not clear whether the influence of carotenoids is independent of diet quality. The objective is to investigate the relation between skin carotenoids status, diet quality, academic skills, and cognitive abilities among preschool-aged children. MethodsChildren between 4 and 5 years (N = 51) were recruited from the STRONG Kids 2 cohort study. Skin carotenoids were assessed via reflection spectroscopy (Veggie Meter). Woodcock Johnson Early Cognitive and Academic Development Test (ECADTM) was utilized to assess Early Academic Skills, General Intellectual Ability, and Expressive Language. Diet quality was measured using Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) based on 7-day food records. Covariates accounted for included age, sex, weight status, and maternal level of education. ResultsFollowing adjustment of covariates, both higher HEI score (rho = 0.28, p = 0.02) and skin carotenoid status (rho = 0.31, p = 0.01) were independently and positively associated with General Intellectual Ability. The relationship between skin carotenoids and expressive language (rho = 0.19, p = 0.09) approached statistical significance and was not correlated with Early Academic Skills (rho = 0.14, p = 0.15). HEI was not associated with expressive language (rho = 0.16, p = 0.11) or Early Academic Skills (rho = 0.07, p = 0.30). ConclusionsGreater adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and carotenoid status were related to intellectual abilities among preschool-aged children. Given previous literature indicating a positive influence of diet quality and carotenoid status on academic achievement among older children, these findings suggest that the influence of these dietary factors on intellectual abilities might emerge earlier than academic skills. Funding SourcesSupported by the NIH, the National Dairy Council.

Skin Carotenoids and Relations to Intellectual Abilities and Academic Achievement Among School-Aged Children

ObjectivesCarotenoids are pigments found abundantly in vegetables that accumulate in the human body (i.e., the skin and central nervous system) and can serve as biomarkers for higher diet quality. Skin carotenoids have been previously correlated with cognitive function in adults; however, the relation between skin carotenoids and cognition in children is unknown. This study aimed to assess the link between skin carotenoids and cognitive function in school-aged children. MethodsChildren ages 7–12 (N = 106) participated in a cross-sectional study. Skin carotenoids were measured using reflection spectroscopy. Intellectual abilities and academic achievement were measured using Woodcock-Johnson IV. Dietary carotenoid intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire and body fat percentage was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Following initial bivariate correlations, a partial spearman correlation was conducted assessing relationships between skin carotenoids and Woodcock-Johnson IV following adjustment of covariates. ResultsSkin carotenoids were inversely correlated to body fat percentage and positively associated with household income and dietary carotenoids. Additionally, bivariate correlations revealed that General Intellectual Ability and multiple subtests of achievement were positively related to skin carotenoid status. Following adjustment for body fat percentage, household income, and dietary carotenoids, only quantitate reasoning and broad math skills (applied problems, calculation, and math facts fluency) were positively related to skin carotenoids (rs = 0.24, P = 0.02; rs = 0.225, P = 0.027). ConclusionsSkin carotenoids were positively associated with quantitate reasoning, a form of fluid reasoning, and broad math skills in school-aged children. Although carotenoid status was positively associated with WCJ subsets, these relationships were partially accounted for by household income, child adiposity, and dietary intake. Skin carotenoids were positively related to several cognitive function measures in school-aged children. Funding SourcesThis study was funded by the Egg Nutrition Center.

Neurocognitive deficits in survivors of childhood acute myeloid leukemia

BackgroundAlthough treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) contains neurotoxic agents, studies investigating neurocognitive outcomes in children with AML are sparse. We evaluated late cognitive effects in children treated with a high-dose cytarabine based regimen, focusing on general intellectual ability and specific neurocognitive domains.MethodsWe evaluated 12 survivors of childhood AML who were treated between 2006 and 2016 and completed the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. One-sample t-tests were used to compare full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and primary index scores to norms. The overall effect of index scores and subtests was examined with one-way ANOVA. Univariate analyses and multiple regression models examined demographic and clinical characteristics associated with FSIQ.ResultsParticipants who underwent the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children demonstrated impairment on working memory index and participants who underwent the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale showed low score in the subtests that reflect working memory, whereas they exhibited no statistical differences versus the population means for FSIQ. There were no significant differences in the overall effect of index scores and subtests. On univariate analysis, FSIQ were related to time since diagnosis and age at assessment, and both were significant predictors of FSIQ on multiple linear regression.ConclusionsSurvivors of childhood AML exhibited impairment of working memory, even if their FSIQ was within the normal range. Difficulties in specific cognitive domains are associated with reduced quality of life. It is important to identify survivors who are at risk and provide tailored interventions.

Validity of the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome for Children (BADS-C) in children and adolescents with pediatric acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT The Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome for Children (BADS-C) was developed to address the need for a standardized ecologically valid test of executive function (EF) in the pediatric population. Our study aimed to investigate the discriminant, concurrent, and ecological validity of BADS-C in a sample with pediatric acquired brain injury (pABI). Seventy-four participants with pABI aged 10–17 years were included to a pre-registered randomized controlled trial, and baseline assessment was used for the current study. Controls consisted of 60 participants aged 10–17 years. Participants with pABI were assessed with neuropsychological tests and questionnaires of EF, and measurements of general intellectual ability (IQ). Results showed that all BADS-C subtests discriminated between participants with pABI and controls, except for the Playing Cards Test. Concurrent and ecological validity was demonstrated through associations between BADS-C total score, Key Search Test, and Zoo Map Test 1, and neuropsychological tests and teacher questionnaire ratings of EF. Key Search Test and Zoo Map Test 1 predicted teacher ratings of EF, beyond IQ and other neuropsychological test of EF. These findings provide support for BADS-C as a valid clinical assessment tool that can detect everyday executive dysfunction in the pABI population, and guide rehabilitation and treatment decisions.

The general ability measure for adults underrepresents true IQ in a high-functioning aviation population

The General Ability Measure for Adults (GAMA) is a brief nonverbal assessment of general intellectual ability. Presently, there is a lack of research involving the use of the GAMA in a high-functioning population. Aviation pilots (n = 59) were referred for a neuropsychological evaluation and were concluded to be cognitively intact. They were administered a battery that included the GAMA and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – 4th edition (WAIS-IV). A paired samples t-test revealed that IQ scores on the GAMA were significantly lower than IQ scores on the WAIS-IV, with WAIS-IV IQ being 7.54 points higher on average. Fisher’s exact test determined there was significant disagreement in score classification between the tests, with individuals classified as Above Average on the WAIS-IV often being classified as Average on the GAMA. The GAMA appears to significantly underrepresent true IQ in both score and classification when compared to a more robust measure of intellectual assessment. Clinically, this suggests that IQ screeners, such as the GAMA, may not be appropriate for assessing patients who are suspected to be of higher premorbid functioning. Future research should expand on these results to assess the validity of verbal-based IQ screening measures in high-functioning populations.

Lower functional hippocampal connectivity in healthy adults is jointly associated with higher levels of leptin and insulin resistance.

Metabolic dysregulation is currently considered a major risk factor for hippocampal pathology. The aim of the present study was to characterize the influence of key metabolic drivers on functional connectivity of the hippocampus in healthy adults. Insulin resistance was directly quantified by measuring steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test and fasting levels of insulin, glucose, leptin, and cortisol, and measurements of body mass index and waist circumference were obtained in a sample of healthy cognitively intact adults (n=104). Resting-state neuroimaging data were also acquired for the quantification of hippocampal functional cohesiveness and integration with the major resting-state networks (RSNs). Data-driven analysis using unsupervised machine learning (k-means clustering) was then employed to identify clusters of individuals based on their metabolic and functional connectivity profiles. K-means clustering identified two clusters of increasing metabolic deviance evidenced by cluster differences in the plasma levels of leptin (40.36 (29.97) vs. 27.59 (25.58)μg/L) and the degree of insulin resistance (SSPG concentration: 161.63 (65.27) vs. 125.72 (66.81)mg/dL). Individuals in the cluster with higher metabolic deviance showed lower functional cohesiveness within each hippocampus and lower integration of posterior and anterior components of the left and right hippocampus with the major RSNs. The two clusters did not differ in general intellectual ability or episodic memory. We identified two clusters of individuals differentiated by abnormalities in insulin resistance, leptin levels, and hippocampal connectivity, with one of the clusters showing greater deviance. These findings support the link between metabolic dysregulation and hippocampal function even in nonclinical samples.

РОБОТА З ОБДАРОВАНИМИ ДІТЬМИ У КИТАЇ: НАУКОВІ РОЗВІДКИ І ТЕОРЕТИКО-МЕТОДИЧНІ ПІДХОДИ

Today in China there are two main philosophical positions on the education and upbringing of gifted and talented people: one position emphasizes the importance of natural abilities and talents, the other - emphasizes the idea that the talent of every child can be brought up and developed. Although gifted children education in China has been evolving for more than three decades, there is still no law governing working with them. Special programs for gifted children exist in only a few schools in economically developed areas. China does not have a clear national and regional policy to support education for the gifted. On the basis of psychological research and educational practice, a procedure and methodology for identifying and selecting gifted children has been developed, which is based on several key aspects: priority is given to high academic performance, general intellectual abilities, personal qualities, level of motivation, creativity. The curriculum for gifted students is usually formed on the approach of «accelerated learning», which involves mastering the content of learning in a shorter period of time, compared to the traditional program. Gifted children graduate four to five years earlier. Several educational institutions offer «enrichment» programs, which provide in-depth study of individual subjects in accordance with the abilities and needs of a child. China is actively conducting research in the field of giftedness and talent, which involves the implementation of two approaches: a psychological approach that supports the natural development of children; an educational approach that takes into account the special needs of gifted students and offers them appropriate educational programs and services. Most research is based on a psychological approach, so in educational practice there are not enough illustrations to formulate the results of programs for the development of gifted and talented people. It is very important for Chinese scientists to identify and solve practical problems that usually arise in China. The psychological and pedagogical theory of teaching and upbringing of gifted children is actively developing, which, taking into account Confucian traditions, emphasizes the role of personal efforts and social influence in achieving academic success. The implementation of talent development programs for overall academic achievement has shown high performance by Chinese students in several international competency assessments, such as PISA and TIMMS, and many graduates have excelled in academic, technical and professional fields, both in China and abroad.

Six-Minute Walking Test Performance Relates to Neurocognitive Abilities in Preschoolers

This study investigated the relationship between six-minute walking test (6MWT) distance walked and preschool-aged children’s academic abilities, and behavioral and event-related potentials (ERP) indices of cognitive control. There were 59 children (25 females; age: 5.0 ± 0.6 years) who completed a 6MWT (mean distance: 449.6 ± 82.0 m) to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. The Woodcock Johnson Early Cognitive and Academic Development Test evaluated academic abilities. A modified Eriksen flanker, hearts and flowers task, and auditory oddball task eliciting ERPs (N2, P3) assessed cognitive control. After adjusting for adiposity, diet, and demographics, linear regressions resulted in positive relationships between 6MWT distance and General Intellectual Ability (β = 0.25, Adj R2 = 0.04, p = 0.04) and Expressive Language (β = 0.30, Adj R2 = 0.13, p = 0.02). 6MWT distance was positively correlated with congruent accuracy (β = 0.29, Adj R2 = 0.18, p < 0.01) and negatively with incongruent reaction time (β = −0.26, Adj R2 = 0.05, p = 0.04) during the flanker task, and positively with homogeneous (β = 0.23, Adj R2 = 0.21, p = 0.04) and heterogeneous (β = 0.26, Adj R2 = 0.40, p = 0.02) accuracy on the hearts and flowers task. Higher fit children showed faster N2 latencies and greater P3 amplitudes to target stimuli; however, these were at the trend level following the adjustment of covariates. These findings indicate that the positive influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on cognitive function is evident in 4–6-year-olds.

Impaired attention in patients with adrenal insufficiency – Impact of unphysiological therapy

Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) are treated with glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy. Although current GC regimens aim to mimic the physiological circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, temporary phases of hypo- and hypercortisolism are common undesired effects. Both conditions may lead to impairment in cognitive functioning. At present, little is known about cognitive functioning in patients with AI, especially regarding the effects of dosage and duration of glucocorticoid replacement therapy. There is also little data available comparing the effects of GC therapy on patients with primary (PAI) and secondary (SAI) forms of AI.In this study 40 adults with AI (21 PAI, 19 SAI) substituted with hydrocortisone (HC) and 20 matched healthy controls underwent 10 different neuropsychological tests evaluating memory, executive functioning, attention, psychomotricity and general intellectual ability. Furthermore demographic data, dosage of HC, duration of therapy and co-medication were evaluated. Patients were compared in groups with regard to diagnosis, dosage and duration of therapy.Patients showed worse performance than controls in attention, though patients with PAI and SAI seemed to be equally impaired. There were no limitations in intellectual abilities or memory function.High dosage of HC was found to impair attention, visual-motoric skills and executive functioning while the duration of therapy showed no significant impact on cognitive functions.In conclusion, our study showed that AI patients on HC replacement therapy reveal significant cognitive deficits concerning attention. There was no difference between patients with PAI and SAI. Furthermore, high dosage seems to have a negative impact especially on executive functioning.

Cognitive and behavioral risk factors for low quality of life in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

With high survival rates for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), long-term quality of life is a prominent consideration in treatment. We concurrently evaluated cognition, behavior, and quality of life in child and adolescent ALL survivors and determined associations between them. The sample included 83 controls (mean age: 12.5 years) and 71 ALL survivors (mean age: 11.9 years, mean age at diagnosis: 3.8 years). Participants completed measures of general intellectual abilities, math achievement, and fine motor skills. Parents and teachers completed a survey assessing child participants' cognitive, behavioral, and emotional function. Parents additionally completed a survey about their child's quality of life. Survivors had lower scores on measures of working memory, processing speed, timed math, and fine motor skills (effect size 0.5-1, p < 0.001). Parents identified more problems with executive function and learning in survivors than controls (effect size > 0.7, p < 0.001), and indicated a lower quality of life in all categories evaluated (effect size > 0.7, p < 10-4). Reduced quality of life was associated with lower math achievement scores and with inattention and executive function problems. ALL survivors experience diffuse cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments, which are associated with reduced quality of life. These findings underscore the need to address these challenges in ALL survivors. Compared with cancer-free peers, parents of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors treated with chemotherapy only reported reduced quality of life. Math difficulties and behavioral problems increased the risk for reduced quality of life. Reduced quality of life is associated with mild cognitive and behavioral difficulties, suggesting that even relatively mild impairments have broad implications for ALL survivors. Screening and early intervention targeting cognitive and behavioral function may enhance quality of life for ALL survivors.

Triagem de indicadores de altas habilidades/superdotação: validade de critério

&lt;p&gt;O estudo buscou investigar as evidências de validade de critério de um instrumento intitulado Triagem de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades/Superdotação (AH/S). A escala, respondida pelo professor, avalia o desenvolvimento do estudante em cinco áreas: capacidade intelectual geral, habilidades acadêmicas específicas, liderança, criatividade e talento artístico. A amostra foi composta por 568 participantes: 213 do grupo-controle e 355 do grupo-critério. Os resultados da análise de variância fatorial e do teste t de Student indicaram diferenças de médias significativas entre os grupos, confirmando o tipo de evidência de validade investigada. A regressão logística também foi conduzida visando identificar o quanto a pontuação em cada área específica da escala conseguiria prever a área de identificação do indivíduo com AH/S.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Palavras-chave: &lt;/strong&gt;Aluno com Altas Habilidades/Superdotação, Validade Estatística, Construção de Teste, Avaliação Psicológica.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clasificación de indicadores de altas habilidades/superdotación: validez de criterio&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;El estudio procuró investigar las evidencias de la validez de criterio de un instrumento llamado Identificación de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades/Superdotación. La escala, respondida por el profesor, evalúa el desarrollo del estudiante en cinco áreas: capacidad intelectual general, habilidades específicas para estudios, liderazgo, creatividad y talento artístico. La muestra fue compuesta por 568 participantes: 213 del grupo-control y 355 del grupo-criterio. Los resultados del análisis de varianza factorial y del Test t de Student indicaron diferencias significativas de promedios entre los grupos, confirmando las evidencias investigadas. La regresión logística también fue realizada, teniéndose el objetivo de identificar cuánto la puntuación en cada área específica de la escala conseguía prever el área de identificación del individuo con altas habilidades/superdotación.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Palabras clave: &lt;/strong&gt;Alumno con Altas Habilidades/Superdotación, Validez Estadística, Elaboración de Test, Evaluación Psicológica.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Gifted indicators screening scale: criterion validity&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The study aimed to investigate evidence of criterion validity of an instrument named Screening of Indicators of High Skills/Giftedness. The scale, answered by the teacher, evaluates the student’s development in five areas: general intellectual ability, specific academic abilities, leadership, creativity and artistic talent. The sample consisted of 568 participants: 213 in the control group and 355 in the criterion group. The results of factorial variance analysis and the Student t-test indicated significant differences of the means between groups, confirming the evidence investigated. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify how much the score in each specific area of the scale could predict the area high skills/giftedness identified for the individual.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords: &lt;/strong&gt;Student with High Skills/Giftedness, Statistical Validity, Test Construction, Psychological Assessment.&lt;/p&gt;

Psychotically driven aggression is associated with greater mentalizing challenges in psychotic spectrum disorders

BackgroundSome aggressive acts committed by individuals with psychotic spectrum disorders (PSD) are understandable in the context of interpersonal conflict or goal attainment, yet others are unpredictable, arising from delusions or hallucinations (psychotically driven aggressive acts, PDA). It is unknown if there are underlying differences in cognitive or perceptive social cognition in relation to aggression motivation in PSD.MethodWe compared differences in social cognition performance between 49 individuals with PSD who had committed PDA with those exhibiting other types of aggression (n = 31) (non-PDA) and to community controls (n = 81) on the Swedish version of Double Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition – Multiple Choice (DMASC-MC). Participants with PSD had more than 3 months of clinical stability and substance use abstention and stable antipsychotic medication doses. General intellectual ability was assessed with the information and matrix reasoning subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales.ResultsThe PSD group with a history of PDA exhibited lower total and perceptive social cognition scores on the DMASC-MC than the non-PDA group and controls. In addition, they also showed lower cognitive scores compared to typical controls. Lower total scores were associated with lower scores on Wechsler intelligence subtests information and matrix reasoning. Taking this into account, the PDA group still had lower social cognition scores. There were no associations of antipsychotic medication dosages, positive or negative symptoms with social cognition scores. Higher antipsychotic dosage at the time of DMASC-MC testing and social cognition scores predicted a past history of PDA.ConclusionsWe conclude that impaired social cognition, particularly perceptive social cognition, is associated with PDA in individuals with PSD.

An ecologically sensitive measure of executive cognition (the Breakfast Task) improves prediction of functional outcome in schizophrenia

Previous work has found that the Breakfast Task (BT), a computerized, ecologically informed executive ability measure, is sensitive to group differences in aging, acquired brain injury, and Parkinson’s disease. We investigated whether this measure improves the prediction of functional status over and above standard measures of general intellectual ability, relationship perception, life skills, and symptom severity in individuals with schizophrenia. Regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the joint and incremental validity of the BT in predicting functional disability scores on the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Scale (WHODAS 2.0). Analyses with combined patient (n = 25) and control (n = 32) participants showed that participant status (patients versus control) was the only significant predictor of functional outcome. However, in the patient data, the proportion of variance accounted for improved significantly (model R 2 of 4% vs. 25%) when BT scores were added to a model containing clinical (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale), social (Relationships Across Domains), intellectual (Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence), and life skills (Canadian Objective Assessment of Life Skills) measures. Results suggest that the BT, a tool that captures complex executive functioning, improves the prediction of disability in patients with schizophrenia and has potential assessment applications.

A-192 The General Ability Measure for Adults Underrepresents True IQ in a High-Functioning Aviation Population

Abstract Objective The General Ability Measure for Adults (GAMA) is a brief nonverbal assessment of general intellectual ability (Naglieri &amp; Bardos, 1997). Previous research supports use of the GAMA as a screening measure of cognitive ability in neurological populations (Davis, Bados &amp; Woodward, 2005). However, there is a lack of research involving the use of the GAMA in high functioning populations commonly referred for neuropsychological evaluation (i.e. aviation pilots). Method Aviation pilots (n = 59; mean age = 44.90, SD = 9.78) were referred for a neuropsychological evaluation and were concluded to be cognitively intact. They were administered a battery that included the GAMA and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—4th edition (WAIS-IV) among other measures. Results A paired samples t-test revealed that IQ scores on the GAMA (M = 118.19, SD = 11.51) were significantly lower than IQ scores on the WAIS-IV (M = 125.73, SD = 10.12; p &amp;lt; .001), with WAIS-IV IQ being 7.54 points higher on average. A Chi-square test of independence determined there was disagreement in score classification between the two tests (χ2(9) = 15.463, p = .079). Conclusions The GAMA appears to significantly underrepresent true IQ in both score and classification when compared to a more robust measure of intellectual assessment. Clinically, this suggests that IQ screeners, such as the GAMA, may not be appropriate for assessing patients who are suspected to be of higher premorbid functioning. Future research should expand on these results to assess the validity of verbal-based IQ screening measures in high-functioning populations.