1. Factor structure of cognitive ability measures in older African Americans.
- Author
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Whitfield KE, Allaire JC, Gamaldo AA, and Bichsel J
- Subjects
- Black or African American statistics & numerical data, Aged, Aging ethnology, Analysis of Variance, Aptitude, Educational Status, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Socioeconomic Factors, Surveys and Questionnaires, United States, Black or African American psychology, Aging psychology, Cognition, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Psychometrics statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
This study examined the fluid-crystallized distinction of cognitive abilities in African Americans. We analyzed the factorial invariance of a battery of cognitive ability measures in a sample of 197 community-dwelling African American elders. Specifically, factorial invariance was tested in groups of African American elders differing in age (50-61 years, 62-79 years) and education (low, high). Using a partial invariance approach, if non-invariance was found between two groups, we explored the specific model parameters that contributed to the overall lack of invariance. The results indicated that the factor structure was confirmed in the sample as a whole. Evidence of strict invariance was found between age groups. However, a lack of invariance of specific factor loadings, intercepts, and uniqueness terms was found between education groups. The importance of highlighting idiosyncrasies in cognitive performance among African Americans is shown using a within group variation approach.
- Published
- 2010
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