Desenvolvimento e propriedades psicométricas do Teste Informatizado de Avaliação das Funções Executivas / Development and psychometric properties of the Computerized Executive Functions Assessment Test / Desarrollo y propiedades psicométricas del Test Informatizado de Evaluación de las Funciones Ejecutivas

Funções executivas (FE) são habilidades que permitem o autocontrole comportamental e cognitivo e estão relacionadas a diversos desfechos ao longo da vida. O uso de testes informatizados para avaliar as FE pode facilitar a precisão dos registros, a padronização e a análise dos dados. Este estudo objetivou desenvolver um instrumento informatizado para avaliar FE em crianças de 4 a 10 anos e analisar características psicométricas. Foram conduzidas cinco etapas: 1) Definição teórica e metodológica; 2) Construção dos itens; 3) Estudo piloto; 4) Análise de juízes; e 5) Estudos psicométricos de validade e fidedignidade. As tarefas informatizadas mostraram-se adequadas para o público-alvo, conforme avaliação dos juízes. As diferentes tarefas de memória de trabalho, inibição e flexibilidade cognitiva apresentaram correlações significativas entre si e a maioria das medidas no teste-reteste evidenciou estabilidade na mensuração. Portanto, os resultados sugerem viabilidade para uso do instrumento no contexto brasileiro. (AU)

Executive functions (EF) are skills linked to behavioral and cognitive self-control and are related to various outcomes throughout life. The use of computerized tests to evaluate EFs can facilitate the accuracy of records, standardization and data analysis. This study aimed to develop a computerized instrument for the EF assessment of children aged 4 to 10 years, and to seek psychometric evidence. Five steps were carried out: 1) Theoretical and methodological definition; 2) Construction of the items; 3) Pilot study; 4) Analysis of experts; and 5) Psychometric studies of validity and reliability. The computerized tasks proved to be suitable for the target audience according to the expert's evaluation. The results between the different tasks of working memory, inhibition and cognitive flexibility showed significant correlations and most test-retest measures showed stability in the measurement. Therefore, the results indicate the feasibility of using the instrument in the Brazilian context. (AU)

Funciones ejecutivas (FE) son habilidades que permiten el autocontrol conductual y cognitivo y están relacionadas con diversos resultados a lo largo de la vida. El uso de tests informatizados para evaluar las FE puede facilitar la precisión de los registros, la estandarización y el análisis de datos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar un instrumento informatizado para la FE para niños de 4 a 10 años, y analizar evidencias psicométricas. Fueron ejecutados cinco pasos: 1) Definición teórica y metodológica; 2) Construcción de los ítems; 3) Estudio piloto; 4) Análisis de jueces; y 5) Estudios psicométricos de validez y fiabilidad. Las tareas informatizadas demostraron ser adecuadas para el público objetivo según la evaluación de los jueces. Las diferentes tareas de memoria de trabajo, inhibición y flexibilidad cognitiva mostraron correlaciones significativas entre sí y la mayoría de las medidas test-retest presentaron estabilidad en la medición. Por lo tanto, los resultados sugieren la viabilidad del instrumento para el contexto brasileño. AU)

Efecto placebo y estimulación sonora binaural de ondas beta y theta en el rendimiento de una tarea de memoria de trabajo / Placebo Effect and Binaural Sound Stimulation of Beta Wave and Theta Wave in a Working Memory Task Performance

Resumen En el presente trabajo se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental de medidas repetidas con grupos caso y control, cuyo objetivo fue medir el efecto de los sonidos binaurales de onda beta y theta, y de la información placebo relacionada a ellos, sobre el rendimiento de una tarea de memoria de trabajo computarizada, versión libre del Automated Operation Span Task -AOSPAN-de Unsworth, Heitz, Schrock y Engle (2005). Dicha tarea se repitió en dos sesiones separadas por un lapso mínimo de dos semanas, una de las cuales se resolvía mientras se escuchaba una estimulación sonora binaural de onda beta o theta que, dependiendo del grupo, se acompañaba o no de información placebo. Se evaluaron 98 personas con distinto nivel de escolaridad divididas en seis grupos experimentales y uno de control. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en el tiempo de presentación de la tarea experimental asociada a información placebo, mostrando una mejoría en la segunda aplicación de la tarea. Debido a ambigüedades en los resultados, a pesar de encontrar diferencias significativas asociadas a la estimulación binaural de onda beta, no pudieron establecerse relaciones concretas entre la mejoría en el recuerdo de conjuntos de hasta cuatro elementos con la presencia de dicha variable. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables de recuerdo global, lo cual puede explicarse por el tipo de tarea de memoria utilizado.

Abstract In this work, a quasi-experimental study of repeated measures with case and control groups was carried out, whose objective was to measure the effect of binaural sounds of beta and theta waves, and the placebo informa tion related to them, on the performance of a computerized working memory task, Automated Operation Span Task -AOSPAN- free version of Unsworth, Heitz, Schrock and Engle (2005). This task was repeated in two sessions separated by an interval of two weeks, one of which was resolved while listening to a binaural sound stimulation of beta wave or theta that, depending on the group, was supported or not by placebo information. 98 people with different levels of schooling were tested twice, divided into six experimental groups and one control group. Significant differences were found related to time duration in performing the experimental task associated with placebo information; it was showed an improvement the second time the task was administered. Due to ambiguities in the results, despite finding significant differences associated with binaural stimulation of beta wave, it was not possible to establish concrete relations between the improvement in the memory of sets up four elements with the presence of this variable. No significant differences were found in the global recall variables, which can be explained by the type of memory task performed.

Escala informatizada de avaliação das características criativas: evidências de validade de conteúdo / Computerized scale of creative characteristics: evidence of content validity / Escala informatizada de evaluación de las características creativas: evidencias de validez de contenido

O uso da tecnologia tem sido recomendado com um recurso adicional na área da avaliação psicológica. Dentro dessa proposta, a Escala Informatizada de Avaliação das Características Criativas foi desenvolvida. Com o objetivo de verificar a adequação de seus itens, dois estudos foram conduzidos. No primeiro, cinco estudantes de pós-graduação atuaram como juízes, classificando os 64 itens do instrumento em oito características (Fluência, Flexibilidade, Elaboração, Originalidade, Expressão de Emoção, Fantasia, Perspectiva Incomum, Analogias/Metáforas). Os resultados demonstraram a adequação dos itens, com a maioria deles apresentando índices de concordância acima de 80%. Também foram encontrados valores adequados de Kappa para os juízes. Na análise 2, 50 estudantes, com idades entre 18 a 50 anos de idade (M = 32,7; DP =10,27) participaram de estudo piloto, auxiliando na reformulação e adequação de diferentes aspectos da escala. Os resultados apontaram adequação da escala ao construto e à população que pretende avaliar. (AU)

The use of technology has been recommended with an additional feature in the area of psychological assessment. Within this proposal, the Computerized Scale of Creative Characteristics was developed. In order to verify the adequacy of their items, two studies were conducted. In the first one, five graduate students acted as judges, classifying the 64 items of the instrument into eight characteristics (Fluency, Flexibility, Elaboration, Originality, Expression of Emotion, Fantasy, Unusual Perspective, Analogies / Metaphors). The results demonstrated the adequacy of the items, with most of them presenting agreement indexes above 80%. Adequate Kappa values were also found for the judges. In the study 2, 50 students, aged between 18 and 50 years (M = 32.7; SD = 10.27) participated in a pilot study, helping to reformulate and adapt different aspects of the scale. The results pointed to the adequacy of the scale to the construct and to the population that it intends to evaluate. (AU)

El uso de la tecnología está siendo recomendada como un recurso adicional en el área de la evaluación psicológica. Dentro de esta propuesta, la Escala Informatizada de Evaluación de las Características Creativas fue desarrollada. Con el objetivo de verificar la adecuación de sus ítems, se realizaron dos estudios. En el primero, cinco estudiantes de posgrado actuaron como jueces, clasificando los 64 ítems del instrumento en ocho características (Fluencia, Flexibilidad, Elaboración, Originalidad, Expresión de Emoción, Fantasía, Perspectiva Inusual, Analogías / Metáforas). Los resultados demostraron la adecuación de los ítems, con la mayoría de ellos presentados índices de concordancia por encima del 80%. También fueron encontrados valores adecuados de Kappa para los jueces. En el segundo estudio, participaron 50 estudiantes, con edades entre 18 a 50 años de edad (M = 32,7, SE = 10,27), en un estudio piloto, auxiliando en la reformulación y adecuación de diferentes aspectos de la escala. Los resultados apuntaron la adecuación de la escala al constructo y a la población que pretende evaluar. (AU)

Precisão do sistema de correção informatizada do teste palográfico - SKIP / Reliability of the palográfico test computerized correction system - SKIP

O Palográfico é um teste gráfico expressivo que avalia características de personalidade e é utilizado em avaliações psicológicas para diversos fins, principalmente em processos com grande volume de candidatos. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a precisão do Software de Correção Informatizada para o Palográfico (SKIP) por meio da comparação entre dois métodos de avaliação: o tradicional (manual) e o eletrônico. A amostra foi composta por 103 pessoas de ambos os sexos com idades entre 18 e 63 anos e escolaridade do Ensino Fundamental ao Superior, que participaram de avaliações psicológicas para obtenção da CNH. As medidas foram submetidas à Correlação de Pearson e ao Teste t de Student. Todas as correlações entre os dois métodos de avaliação foram muito altas (acima de 0,943) e as diferenças entre as médias não foram estatisticamente significantes. Os resultados apontaram altos índices de precisão do SKIP para a mensuração das características quantitativas do Teste Palográfico...

The Palográfico is an expressive graphic test that assesses personality characteristics and is used in psychological assessments for various purposes, especially in cases with large volume of examinees. The objective of this research was to determinate the reliability of the Computerized Correction Software for Palográfico Test (SKIP), through the comparison of two methods of evaluation: the traditional (manual) and the electronic. The sample was composed by 103 participants of both sexes aged between 18 and 63 years, whose education varied from elementary school to college, and who participated in psychological assessments to obtain CNH. Measures were submitted to the Pearson correlation and Student's t test. All correlations of the two assessment methods were very high (above 0,943) and the differences between means were not statistically significant. The results showed high reliability indices of SKIP to measure the quantitative characteristics of Palográfico Test...

Development and Standardization of the Computerized Attention Assessment for Korean Adults / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to develop the computerized attention tests for Korean adults. It also aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of these tests and providing their normative data. METHODS: Computerized versions of auditory & visual continuous performance tests (CPTs), controlled CPTs, and trail making test A & B were developed through several steps of preliminary applications and corrections. The test-retest reliabilities of each test was evaluated by the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient using the data from 27 normal persons. The validity of each test was evaluated by the Pearsons's correlation coefficient between the computerized test scores and the preexisting cognitive function tests using the data from 48 normal persons. The normative data were obtained from the 154 Korean adults, aged 20 to 50, whose educational levels were higher than high school graduate. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the means of the test and retest scores. High correlations were also observed between the tests and retest scores. The number of correct responses of the computerized CPTs were highly correlated with each other. They were also highly correlated with the scores of the pre-existing attentional measures. Trail making test scores were highly correlated with higher cortical functions such as IQ and hypothesis formation abilities. The CPTs scores were not affected by sex, educational level, and age. The performances for the visual CPTs were higher than those of auditory tests. Trial making test scores were influenced by educational level and age. The normative data and guidelines for interpretation were provided. CONCLUSION: Clinically applicable computerzied attention assessement tools with high reliability and validity were developed. The normative data for the Korean adults aged 20 to 50 were obtained and the guidelines for the interpretation were provided.

Development and Standardization of the Computerized Memory Assessment for Korean Adults / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to develop the computerized memory tests for Korea adults. It also aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of these tests and providing their normative data. METHODS: Computerized versions of digit span, visual span, auditory verbal learning test, and visual learning test were developed through several steps of preliminary applications and corrections. The test-retest reliabilites of each test was evaluated by the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient using the data from 27 normal persons. The validity of each test was evaluated by the Pearsons's correlation coefficient between the computerized test scores and the pre-existing cognitive function tests using the data from 48 normal persons. The normative data were obtained from the 150 Korean adults, age 20 to 50, whose educational levels were higher than high school graduate. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the means of the test and retest scores. High correlations were also observed between the tests and the retest scores (r ranged from 0.405 to 0.873). The computerized digit span, visual span, and auditory verbal learning tests scores were highly correlated with the pre-existing memory measures. The computerized memory test scores were greatly influenced by the educational level. The visual learning test seems useful, however, it requires methodological refinement. The normative data and guidelines for interpretation were provided. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically applicable computerized memory assessment tools with high reliability and validity were developed. The normative data for the Korean adults aged 20 to 50 were obtained and the guidelines for the interpretation were provided.

Development and Standardization of the Computerized Higher Cortical Function Assessment for Korean Adults / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to develop the computerized higher function assessment tools for Korea adults. It also aimed at evaluating the reliability and validity of these tests and providing their normative data. METHODS: Computerized versions of card sorting test, hypothesis formation test, color-word test, and finger tapping test were developed through several steps of preliminary applications and corrections. The test-retest reliability of each test was evaluated by the paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient using the data from 27 normal subjects. The validity of each test was evaluated by the Pearsons's correlation coefficient between the computerized test scores and the pre-existing cognitive function tests using the data from 48 normal subjects. The normative data were obtained from the 150 Korean adults, age 20 to 50, whose educational levels were higher than high school graduate. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences between the means of the test and retest scores except hypothesis formation test, which showed marked practice effect. High correlations were also observed between the tests and the retest scores(r ranged from 0.543 to 0.905). The computerized higher cortical assessment tests scores were highly correlated with the scores of the pre-existing cognitive function tests, such as Standard Progressive Matrices. The scores of the card sorting test and the color-word test were not influenced by age, sex, and education level. However, the scores of the hypothesis formation were greatly influenced by the education level, and the scores of the finger tapping test were greatly influenced by sex. The normative data and guidelines for interpretation were provided. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically applicable computerized higher cortical function assessment tools with high reliability and validity were developed. The normative data for the Korean adults aged 20 to 50 were obtained and the guidelines for the interpretation were provided.