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. 2013 Aug;78(4):34-48.
doi: 10.1111/mono.12033.

III. NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): measuring episodic memory

Patricia J Bauer, Sureyya S Dikmen, Robert K Heaton, Dan Mungas, Jerry Slotkin, Jennifer L Beaumont

III. NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): measuring episodic memory

Patricia J Bauer et al. Monogr Soc Res Child Dev. 2013 Aug.

Abstract

One of the most significant domains of cognition is episodic memory, which allows for rapid acquisition and long-term storage of new information. For purposes of the NIH Toolbox, we devised a new test of episodic memory. The nonverbal NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test (TPSMT) requires participants to reproduce the order of an arbitrarily ordered sequence of pictures presented on a computer. To adjust for ability, sequence length varies from 6 to 15 pictures. Multiple trials are administered to increase reliability. Pediatric data from the validation study revealed the TPSMT to be sensitive to age-related changes. The task also has high test-retest reliability and promising construct validity. Steps to further increase the sensitivity of the instrument to individual and age-related variability are described.

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Figures

Figure 4
Figure 4
Four-step practice sequence with “circus” theme: Walk a tightrope, swing on the trapeze, jump through the hoop, and drive the funny car. © 2006–2012 National Institutes of Health and Northwestern University.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Normalized scaled scores on the Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test across age groups. Error bars are ±2 standard errors. Best-fitting polynomial curve is also shown (see text).
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