Age-related differences in the predictive ability of executive functions for intelligence
Analysis of NAB Executive Functions Module and WAIS-IV Scores
Abstract
Abstract. The Executive Functions Module of the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) were used to investigate age-related differences in the predictability of intelligence with executive functions. The NAB subtests age and sex better predicted the WAIS-IV index scales and the Full Scale IQ in the older than in the younger age group, with total variance explained up to 75 % in 60- to 88-year-olds and up to 46 % in 18- to 59-year-olds. The NAB subtests Categories and Word Generation were most frequently included, whereas Letter Fluency was least frequently included in the best-fitting models of WAIS-IV prediction. Mazes predicted better in the younger age group, whereas Judgment predicted better in the older age group.
Zusammenfassung. Das Modul Exekutive Funktionen der Neuropsychological Assessment Battery (NAB) und die Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) wurden eingesetzt, um den Einfluss des Alters auf die Vorhersagbarkeit von Intelligenz mit den exekutiven Funktionen zu testen. Die NAB Untertests, Alter und Geschlecht zeigen eine höhere Vorhersagekraft für die WAIS-IV Indizes und den Gesamt-IQ bei den älteren als bei den jüngeren Testteilnehmern, mit einer erklärten Varianz von bis zu 75 % bei den 60- bis 88-Jährigen und 46 % bei den 18- bis 59-Jährigen. Von allen NAB Untertests waren Kategorien und Wörter bilden am häufigsten und Wortflüssigkeit am seltesten in den besten WAIS-IV-Vorhersagemodellen enthalten. Labyrinthe sagten besser WAIS-IV-Leistungen im jungen Alter vorher, während Urteilen ein besserer Prädiktor im höheren Alter war.
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