Factor analysis of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale subtests and the Halstead-Reitan Category and Tapping tests.

Scores from 94 psychiatric and neurological patients on the 11 subtests of the WAIS and the Halstead-Reitan Category and Finger Tapping Tests were used in a factor analysis. The Category Test had a low loading on the 1st (Verbal) factor and a high loading on the 2nd (Visuomotor) factor; the Tapping Test had a high loading on a small 4th factor of Manipulative Speed. The finding with the Category Test suggests that it, contrary to the expectation of many of its users, does not distinguish an ability that is both separate from nonverbal intelligence and particularly sensitive to all types of brain pathology. It is concluded that visuomotor and verbal factor scores might be more efficient than conventional scores in studies of the effects of brain damage. (28 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)