Structural equation analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised in a normal elderly sample.

A maximum-likelihood confirmatory factor analysis was performed by applying LISREL VII to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised (D. Wechsler, 1981) results of a normal elderly sample (N?=?225). Analyses were designed to determine which of seven hypothesized factor solutions best explained the intellectual ability of older adults. Oblique and orthogonal solutions were tested for each of the factor models. The impact of age, education, and gender was examined. Results indicated that an oblique three-factor model including Verbal, Performance, and Freedom From Distractibility factors fit the best across all sample combinations. A mild gender effect was also evident. Picture Arrangement measured both Verbal and Performance characteristics in the female sample, whereas in the male sample, Picture Arrangement loaded on the Performance factor only. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)