Derivation, Replication, and Validity Analyses of a Screener for the Behavioral Assessment of Executive Functions in Young Adults

Assessment. 2018 Oct;25(7):867-884. doi: 10.1177/1073191116670511. Epub 2016 Sep 21.

Abstract

Ecologically valid indicators of executive functions are designed to capture dysfunction not easily measured in a lab setting. Here, we present two studies on the development and validity analyses of a behavioral screener for executive functions among young adults. In Study 1, we derived a four-factor (problem solving, attentional control, behavioral control, and emotional control) behavioral screener using a sample of 765 individuals. We used invariance analyses to evaluate the screener's measurement reliability across sex. In Study 2, we replicated the screener derivation analyses using an independent sample of 197 undergraduates. To further examine the screener's validity, we evaluated it against a well-known executive functions rating scale. The four-factor model was supported in both samples and analyses provided support for this screener as a valid and reliable measure for everyday executive functions among young adults.

Keywords: behavior rating scale; confirmatory factor analysis; convergent validity; executive function; invariance analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Executive Function*
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Young Adult