Speed Functions, Vocabulary Ability, and Age

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The present study investigated the relationship between verbal ability (as exemplified by Vocabulary test performance) and the ability to perform quickly (as exemplified by three tests varied in how important perceptual-integrative skills were thought to be involved in successful performance). In addition, the influence of Ss age on this relationship was examined. The WAIS Vocabulary, WAIS Digit Symbol, a pencil-and-paper Crossing-off test, plus a reaction-time procedure were given to Ss aged about 19 and about 71 yr. As the importance of speed relative to perceptual-integrative ability increased in successful performance, correlations with Vocabulary decreased. Principal component analyses suggested that Digit Symbol and Vocabulary performances shared equal variance in Cognition. Digit Symbol performance was also associated with Speed. While older age was associated with poorer performances, correlations among test scores were similar for old and young Ss.

This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit: