Development and Standardization Process, and Factor Analysis of the Computerized Cognitive Function Test System for Korea Adults

Ha, Kyoo Seob; Kwon, Jun Soo; Lyoo, In Kyoon; Kong, Seog Won; Lee, Dong Woo; Youn, Tak

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The authors developed computerized cognitive function test system for Korean adults for the reliable and valid assessment of the cognitive function. This study was conducted to explore the areas of the cognitive functions of the newly developed system and to provide clinical guidelines for the interpretation of the results by the test system.
METHODS
The computerized cognitive function test system was developed through several steps of preliminary application and corrections. The reliability and the validity were also tested. Factor analysis was applied to explore the areas of the cognitive functions from the data of 150 Korean adults, age 20 to 50, whose educational levels were higher than high school graduate.
RESULTS
The attention tests evaluated auditory and visual sustained attention, attentional control, and information processing speed. The memory tests consisted of immediate memory, working memory, and auditory and visual learning abilities. Higher cortical function tests evaluated different areas by each test. The total system mainly evaluated attention maintenance, information processing speed, working memory, learning abilities, abstract thinking abilities, and mental flexibilities.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinically applicable computerized cognitive function test battery with high reliability and validity were developed. The factor analysis showed that it assessed most of the major cognitive areas, except language and sensorimotor coordination. Future effort is requested to develop tests which can evaluate the cognitive areas omitted in the currest system.