Parental Education, Children’s Nutritional Status and Non-verbal Intelligence in Rural School-children

Objective: To assess non-verbal intelligence and its relationship with nutritional status,nutrient intakes and parents’ education in school-children. Methods: A cross-sectional,observational study was conducted in children between 6-11 years, without any knownchronic disorder or intellectual disability. Data were collected regarding parents’ education,anthropometry and dietary intakes. Non-verbal intelligence was assessed by Raven’sColoured Progressive Matrices (RCPM). Results: In 323 enrolled children (52.9% boys), asignificant positive association was observed between RCPM scores and parents’ education(father’s rs=0.14, mother’s rs=0.22), height Z-scores (rs=0.14) and dietary intakes of zinc(rs=0.14), iron (rs=0.12) and folate (rs=0.14). Conclusion: Height in normal range, higherzinc, iron and folate intakes, and parental higher educational levels were associated withhigher non-verbal intelligence scores

Desempenho no teste de raven: diferenças entre crianças-adolescentes com transtorno do espectro autista e com dificuldades de leitura / Performance in raven's test: differences between children-adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and reading disabilities / Rendimiento en la prueba de raven: diferencias entre niños y adolescentes con trastorno del espectro autista y con dificultades de lectura

Esse estudo comparou o desempenho de crianças e adolescentes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) e com Dificuldades de Leitura (DL) no Teste de Matrizes Progressivas Coloridas de Raven (MPCR). Participaram 70 crianças e adolescentes, entre sete e 14 anos, com TEA (n = 16), com DL (n = 19) e com desenvolvimento típico (DT, n = 35). Controlando o efeito da idade, houve desempenho superior do grupo TEA na Parte A do MPCR. O grupo DL apresentou desempenho inferior aos demais grupos na Parte A e no escore total do teste se comparado ao grupo DT. O desempenho do grupo TEA foi discutido a partir da Teoria da Fraca Coerência Central, enquanto o desempenho do grupo DL, a partir da hipótese dos múltiplos déficits na dislexia e considerando o impacto do menor acesso a materiais escritos nas habilidades visuoespaciais. Estudos dessa natureza podem auxiliar na caracterização cognitiva de crianças/adolescentes com TEA e com DL. (AU)

This study compared the performance of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Reading Disabilites (RD) in the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrix Test (RCPM). A total of 70 children and adolescents aged 7 to 14 years, with ASD (n=16), with RD (n=19) and with typical development (TD, n=35) participated. Controlling the effect of age, the results indicated superior performance of the ASD group. The DL group presented inferior performance than the other groups in Part A and in the total test score when compared to the DT group. The performance of the TEA group was discussed from the Theory of Weak Central Coherence, while the performance of the DL group, based on the hypothesis of multiple deficits in dyslexia and considering the impact of less access to written materials in visuospatial skills. Studies of this nature may help in the cognitive characterization of children / adolescents with ASD and DL. (AU)

Este estudio comparó el desempeño de niños y adolescentes con Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) y con Dificultades de Lectura (DL) en la prueba de Matrices Progresivas Coloreadas de Raven (MPCR). Participaron 70 niños y adolescentes, entre siete y 14 años, con TEA (n =16), con DL (n=19) y con desarrollo típico (DT, n=35). Controlando el efecto de la edad, los resultados indicaron desempeño superior del grupo TEA. El grupo DL presentó desempeño inferior a los demás grupos en la Parte A y en la puntuación total de la prueba en comparación con el grupo con DT. El desempeño del grupo TEA fue discutido a partir de la Teoría de la Coherencia Central Débil, mientras que el desempeño del grupo DL, a partir de la hipótesis de los múltiples déficits en la dislexia y considerando el impacto del menor acceso a materiales escritos en las habilidades visuoespaciales. Los estudios de esta naturaleza pueden ayudar en la caracterización cognitiva de niños / adolescentes con TEA y con DL. (AU)

Validity study of intelligence subtests for a Brazilian giftedness assessment battery / Validade de subtestes de inteligência para a bateria de avaliação de altas habilidades/superdotação / Validez de las pruebas de razonamiento de la batería de evaluación de altas habilidades/superdotación

Considering the importance of validity evidence studies when designing psychological instruments, this study intended on verifying the construct validity of reasoning subtests, through convergent evidence and CFA, as part of a battery for giftedness assessment. A Manova was also applied to evaluate sex and grade differences. The sample was composed of 96 students, in which 49 were female, with 6th grade (n=15), 7th grade (n=12), 8th grade (n=49) students and 2nd year (n=20) students from a public school in the state of São Paulo, aged between 10 and 18 (M = 13.4 years, SD = 1.8). The participants answered the Raven Progressive Matrices Test (general scale) and reasoning subtests that belong to the Battery for Giftedness Assessment (BAHA/G). The results from Pearson's correlation indicated convergence as the majority of the factors composed in BAHA/G showed positive and significant correlations with the Raven test factors, and the CFA displayed two latent variables with strong correlations, particularly among their total score (r=.976). With these results, we found the moderate relationship between these instruments. Further studies are recommended on other types of validity evidence of these subtests to confirm its psychometric qualities. (AU)

Considerando a importância da busca por evidências de validade no processo de construção de instrumentos psicológicos, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a validade de construto dos subtestes de raciocínio, da bateria de avaliação das altas habilidades / superdotação (BAAH/S), através de evidências de convergência e análise fatorial confirmatória. Também foi realizada a análise multivariada da variância para avaliar a influencia das variáveis sexo e série. A amostra foi composta por 96 estudantes, 49 do sexo feminino, do 6º ano (n=15), 7° ano (n=12), 8° ano (n=49) do ensino fundamental II e 2º ano (n=20) do ensino médio de uma escola pública do Estado de São Paulo, com idades entre 10 e 18 anos (M=13,4 anos; DP=1,8). Os participantes responderam ao teste Matrizes Progressivas de Raven (escala geral) e aos Subtestes de Raciocínio da Bateria de Altas Habilidades e Superdotação (BAAH/S). Os resultados da correlação de Pearson indicaram convergência entre as medidas dos fatores da BAAH/S e correlações positivas com os fatores do teste do Raven. A AFC demonstrou duas variáveis latentes com fortes correlações, principalmente considerando o escore total (r=0,976) Tais resultados demonstram uma relação moderada entre os instrumentos em questão. Novos estudos voltados à investigação de outros tipos de evidências de validade são recomendados. (AU)

Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de evidencias de validez en el proceso de construcción de instrumentos psicológicos, este estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar la validez de criterio de las pruebas de razonamiento de la Batería de Evaluación de altas habilidades/superdotación (BAAH/S). También fue realizado Manova para evaluar las diferencias entre sexo y ciclo. La muestra fue compuesta por 96 alumnos, 49 mujeres, el 6º año (n=15), 7 años (n=12), 8 año (n=49) de la escuela primaria y 2º año (n=20) de la escuela secundaria en una escuela pública del estado de São Paulo, con edades comprendidas entre los 10 y 18 años (M=13,4 años, SD=1,8). Los participantes respondieron al Test de matrices Progresivas de RAVEN - Escala General y la (BAAH/S). Los resultados de correlación de Pearson indicaron convergencia entre los factores de la BAAH/S y correlaciones positivas con los factores del test de RAVEN, y la AFC demostró dos variables latentes con correlaciones fuertes, teniendo en cuenta la puntuación total (r =. 976) estos resultados demuestran una relación moderada entre los instrumentos, lo que confirma la validez criterio de la prueba en el desarrollo. Además, se recomienda nuevos estudios de otros tipos de evidencia de validez. (AU)

Análise da Produção Científica Brasileira sobre o Teste das Matrizes Progressivas de Raven / Analysis of the Brazilian Scientific Production on the Raven’ Progressives Matrices Test / Análisis de la Producción Científica Brasileña acerca de la Prueba de Raven

Resumo O Teste das Matrizes Progressivas de Raven é um instrumento não verbal para avaliação da inteligência. As pesquisas sobre ele, no Brasil, iniciaram-se na década de 1950 e continuaram a desenvolver-se com o passar dos anos, em maior ou menor escala de acordo com o período. O presente estudo objetivou quantificar e analisar a produção científica brasileira de artigos a respeito do Teste das Matrizes Progressivas de Raven, disponíveis nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Periódicos Eletrônicos em Psicologia (PePSIC). Foram selecionados e analisados 71 artigos obtidos a partir das palavras-chaves “teste de Raven” e “Raven”. As produções científicas analisadas foram publicadas no período entre 1995 e 2014 e, em sua maioria, eram provenientes da região Sudeste brasileira. Notou-se que a maioria dos artigos referiu o uso do teste de Raven em contextos específicos, e poucos buscaram analisar as qualidades psicométricas do instrumento, evidenciando a demanda de mais estudos sobre as qualidades psicométricas do teste de Raven....(AU)

Abstract The Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test is a non-verbal tool for assessment of intelligence, whose research in Brazil started in the 1950s and continued over the years, to a greater or lesser extent according to the period. This study aimed to quantify and analyze the Brazilian scientific production of articles concerning the Raven’s Progressive Matrices Test, available in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Electronic Journal of Psychology (PePSIC) databases. Seventy-one articles using the keywords “Raven test” and “Raven” were selected and analyzed. The analyzed scientific works were published between 1995 and 2014 and mostly come from the Brazilian southeast region. It was noted that most of the articles reported the use of Raven Test in specific contexts and few sought to analyze the psychometric qualities of the instrument, evidencing the need for more studies on the psychometric qualities of the Raven Test....(AU)

Resumen El Test de Matrices Progresivas de Raven es un instrumento no verbal para evaluación de la inteligencia, cuyas investigaciones en Brasil iniciaron en la década de 1950 y continuaron con el paso de los años, en mayor o menor medida de acuerdo con el período. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo cuantificar y analizar la producción científica brasileña de artículos sobre el Test de Matrices Progresivas de Raven, disponibles en las bases de datos Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) y Revistas Electrónicas en Psicología (PePSIC). 71 artículos, obtenidos a partir con las palabras clave “test de Raven” y “Raven” fueron seleccionados y analizados. Las producciones científicas analizadas fueron publicadas en el período entre 1995 y 2014 y provienen, en su mayoría, de la región sudeste brasileña. Se notó que la mayoría de los artículos relataron el uso del test de Raven en contextos específicos, y pocos buscaron analizar las cualidades psicométricas del instrumento, evidenciando la demanda por más estudios sobre las cualidades psicométricas del test de Raven....(AU)

Improvement of Visuo-spatial Function Assessed by Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices in Dementia with Lewy Bodies by Donepezil Treatment

OBJECTIVE: Donepezil is used to improve cognitive impairment of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Visuo-spatial dysfunction is a well-known symptom of DLB. Non-verbal Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) were used to assess both visual perception and reasoning ability in DLB subjects treated with donepezil. METHODS: Twenty-one DLB patients (mean age, 78.7±4.5 years) were enrolled. RCPM assessment was performed at the time of starting donepezil and within one year after starting donepezil. RESULTS: There were significant improvements of RCPM in the total scores between one year donepezil treatment (p=0.013), in both Set A score (p=0.002) and Set AB score (p=0.015), but trend in the Set B score (p=0.083). CONCLUSION: Donepezil is useful for improving visuo-spatial impairment in DLB, but not for problem-solving impairment.

Factor structure of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices / Estrutura Fatorial das Matrizes Progressivas Coloridas de Raven / Estructura Factorial de las Matrices Progresivas Coloridas de Raven

Abstract This study's objective was to verify the factor structure of Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). The database used included the responses of 1,279 children, 50.2% of which were males with an average age of 8.48 years old and a standard deviation of 1.49 yrs. Confirmatory factor analyses were run to test seven models based on CPM theory and on a Brazilian study addressing the test's structure. The results did not confirm the CPM theoretical proposition concerning the scales but indicated that the test can be interpreted by one general factor and one specific factor or one general factor and three specific factors; both are bi-dimensional models. The three-factor model is, however, more interpretable, suggesting that the factors can be used as a means of screening children's cognitive developmental stage.

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho foi verificar a estrutura fatorial das Matrizes Progressivas Coloridas de Raven - MPC. Para isso, utilizou-se um banco de dados contendo as respostas a MPC de 1.279 crianças, 50,2% do sexo masculino, com idade média de 8,48 anos e desvio-padrão de 1,49 anos. Foram efetuadas análises fatoriais confirmatórias testando sete modelos arquitetados a partir da teoria das MPC e de um estudo brasileiro que explorou a estrutura desse teste. Os resultados não confirmaram a proposta teórica da MPC referente às escalas propostas no teste, mas indicaram que o teste pode ser interpretado por um fator geral e um fator específico, ou um fator geral e três específicos, os dois modelos sendo bidimensionais. No entanto, o modelo com três fatores específicos é mais interpretável, sugerindo que os fatores podem ser utilizados como screening do estágio de desenvolvimento cognitivo que a criança se encontra.

Resumen El objetivo del trabajo fue verificar la estructura factorial de las Matrices Progresivas Coloridas de Raven - MPC. Para el estudio se utilizó un banco de datos que contenía las respuestas de 1.279 niños a las MPC, siendo 50,2% del sexo masculino, con edad media de 8,48 años y desviación estándar de 1,49 años. Fueron realizados análisis factoriales confirmatorios utilizando siete modelos ideados a partir de la teoría de las MPC y de un estudio brasileño que investigó la estructura de ese test. Los resultados no confirmaron la propuesta teórica de las MPC con respecto a las escalas propuestas en el test, pero indicaron que el test puede ser interpretado por un factor general y un factor específico, o un factor general y tres específicos, siendo los dos modelos bidimensionales. Pese a eso, el modelo con tres factores específicos es el más interpretable, sugiriendo que los factores pueden ser utilizados como screening de la etapa de desarrollo cognitivo en que el niño se encuentra.

Propriedades psicométricas do Raven Geral no contexto de Minas Gerais / Psychometric properties of the Standard Progressive Matrices in the Minas Gerais State / Propiedades psicométricas del Raven General en el contexto de Minas Gerais

Este estudo investigou os parâmetros psicométricos do teste de inteligência Matrizes Progressivas de Raven - Escala Geral para o estado de Minas Gerais. Participaram da pesquisa 1.956 pessoas, com idade entre 7 e 65 anos. A análise dos itens, por meio da Teoria de Resposta ao Item, modelo 2P, mostrou apropriados índices de dificuldade e discriminação de todos os itens, exceto o E12, o qual se mostrou extremamente difícil. A função de informação do teste indicou que o Raven foi respondido com relativa facilidade pela amostra de Minas Gerais. O efeito Flynn, ou ganhos cognitivos de geração, pode ser o fator responsável. A predição do desempenho escolar de crianças e adolescentes utilizando o teste Raven ainda é possível. Implicações para uso profissional são discutidas...

The psychometric parameters of the Standard Progressive Matrices of Raven (SPM) test for Minas Gerais state were investigated. 1956 people aged between 07 and 65 were the participants. The analysis of the items through the Item Response Theory, Model 2P, showed appropriate levels of difficulty and discrimination of all items except for item E12, which was extremely difficult. The test information function indicated that the SPM test was relatively easily to carry out by the sample of Minas Gerais. The Flynn effect, or cognitive gains of generation, may be the factor responsible. However, the prediction of school performance (criterion validity) using the SPM test is still possible. Implications for professional use are discussed...

Este estudio ha investigado los parámetros psicométricos del test de inteligencia Matrices Progresivas de Raven - Escala General para el estado de Minas Gerais. Participaron de la investigación 1.956 personas, con edad entre 07 y 65 años. El análisis de los ítems utilizando la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem, modelo 2P, mostró un buen ajuste de los índices de dificultad y discriminación de todos los ítems, excepto el ítem E12, que resultó ser extremamente difícil. La función de información de la prueba indicó que el test de Raven fue respondido con relativa facilidad por la muestra de Minas Gerais. El efecto "Flynn", o ganancia cognitiva de generación, puede ser el factor responsable. La predicción del desempeño escolar de los niños y adolescentes utilizando el test de Raven aún es posible. Se discuten las implicaciones para el uso professional del test...

Meditation as an intervention for cognitive disturbances following total sleep deprivation.

Background & objectives: Decline in cognitive functions is a major challenge for professionals during sustained wakefulness. We used middle latency response (MLR), event related potentials P300-ERP and contingent negative variation (CNV) and Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) - a standard neuropsychological test were used to evaluate cognitive impairment after total sleep deprivation (SD); and to study the impact of meditation as an intervention for this impairment. Methods: Healthy male volunteers (n=10) drawn randomly from the Indian Army participated in a 6-night study design executed before and after two months of meditation practice: night 1–adaptation, night 2–baseline, night 3–24 h SD, night 4–recovery sleep, night 5–24 h SD after 60 days meditation, night 6–recovery sleep after SD. A 36 h SD was obtained by keeping the subject awake for 12 h after 24 h SD. Results: The latency and amplitude of P300 increased after 36 h SD. Amplitudes and latencies of both early and late CNV increased after 24 and 36 h SD, indicating deficient orientation and impairment of attention and perception. Prolonged CNV reaction time after 36 h SD manifested deficient motor response following second (imperative) stimulus. Latency of MLR Na registered significant change following 36 h SD compared to baseline (P<0.01) and recovery (P<0.05). RAPM score showed significant decrease after 36 h of wakefulness indicating impaired analytical ability and difficulty in problem solving. None of these parameters showed any significant alteration after SD, following meditation practice. Interpretation & conclusions: The present results showed that SD impaired cognitive performance to graded extents significantly, but this deterioration could be improved to a significant extent using meditation.

Comparison of Abstract Reasoning in Korean Patients with Mental Disorders through Standard Progressive Matrices(SPM) / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to compare abstract reasoning in patients with mental disorders;Depression, Schizophrenia, Organic Brain Syndrome(OBS), and normal control group using Standard Progressive Matrices(SPM), known as a test measuring visual pattern matching ability and reasoning ability by analogy. METHODS: SPM test in Vienna Test System was administered to 82 normal adults, 29 schizophrenic patients, 22 depression patients, and 32 OBS patients. SPM total score and 5 subtest scores in four groups were compared, using ANOVA and post-hoc comparison. SPM subtest scores in OBS and normal group were compared, using discriminant function analysis. RESULTS: SPM total score and all subtest scores in mental disorders group(schizophrenia, depression, OBS) were lower than in normal control group. SPM total score and all subtest scores in OBS group were lower than in schizophrenia and depression group. No difference between SPM total score in Schizophrenia and depression group was found. Discriminant function of B, E subtest was the hightest. CONCLUSION: The impairment of higher cognitive function, especially abstract reasoning impairment in OBS, was qualitatively different from that of schizophrenia and depression. SPM can differentiate specific pattern of abstract reasoning impairment in mental disorders, so SPM can be used not only as a substitute for intelligence test but also as a neuropsychological test.

Preliminary Standardization of the Computerized Standard Progressive Matrices in Korean Adults / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to provide standardized data of the computerized Standard Progressive Matirices(SPM)test in Korean adults. METHODS: The computerized SPM test was administered to 353 healthy volunteers aged 18 years over. We provided the standardized data(percentile and standardized T-scores)for the groups with similar mean and distribution of SPM scores, which was originally divided by age and sex. The validity of the new standardized data was tested by comparing IQs estimated by SPM and K-WAIS. RESULTS: The standardized SPM data were provided for four age groups: 18 to 30 years, 31 to 40 years, 41 to 50 years, 51 years and over. IQ estimated by this standardized data tends to be closer to IQ by K-WAIS than the IQ estimated by foreign normative data. CONCLUSION: The standardized data of the computerized SPM were proven to be a useful and valid tool for measuring IQ briefly, compared with the conventional way of measuring IQ.