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

Lyoo, In Kyoon; Kwon, Jun Soo; Ha, Kyoo Seob

Abstract

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.