Confirmatory factor analysis of combined Wechsler adult intelligence scale - revised and Wechsler memory scale - revised scores in a healthy community sample

This study examined the joint factor structure of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (D. Wechsler, 1981) and Wechsler Memory Scale - Revised (D. Wechsler, 1987) in a sample of 399 healthy young adults (206 women and 193 men) recruited for a normative study in Sydney Australia; the Macquarie University Neuropsychological Normative Study. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the authors contrasted alternative models of ability in the respective Wechsler scales, focusing in particular on hypotheses relating to memory function. The best-fitting solution comprised a model representing Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, Attention-Concentration, Verbal Memory and Visual Memory. The results are discussed in terms of the incremental validity of ability assessment, potential for improvement in model-fit, and implications for professional practice.