Assessing working memory in children with ADHD: Minor administration and scoring changes may improve digit span backward's construct validity.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Pediatric ADHD is associated with impairments in working memory, but these deficits often go undetected when using clinic-based tests such as digit span backward. AIMS:The current study pilot-tested minor administration/scoring modifications to improve digit span backward's construct and predictive validities in a well-characterized sample of children with ADHD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES:WISC-IV digit span was modified to administer all trials (i.e., ignore discontinue rule) and count digits rather than trials correct. Traditional and modified scores were compared to a battery of criterion working memory (construct validity) and academic achievement tests (predictive validity) for 34 children with ADHD ages 8-13 (M=10.41; 11 girls). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS:Traditional digit span backw

SUBMITTER: Wells EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5743590 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature