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Conventional memory assessment may fail to identify memory dysfunction characterized by intact recall for a relatively brief period but rapid forgetting thereafter. This study assessed learning and retention after 30-min and 24-hr delays on auditory and visual selective reminding tests (SRTs) in right (n=20) and left (n=22) temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients and controls (n=49). The left TLE group performed significantly worse than controls on all 3 trials of both tests. The right TLE group differed from the controls on all 3 visual SRT trials and on learning for the auditory SRT. There were no between-groups differences in rate of information lost at the 30-min versus the 24-hr delay. At the individual level, there was no difference in the percentage of patients versus controls who demonstrated isolated memory impairment at the 24-hr delay. Accelerated forgetting over 24-hr is uncommon in TLE patients.

A study was conducted to analyze the impact of unionization on wages in the UK, with emphasis on the entire wage distribution system. Nonparametric techniques were utilized to determine the influence of union decline on shifts in wage distribution over time. Results suggested that changes in the wage structure correlated with the demand for highly skilled workers. Findings also showed that the impact of unionization varied across age, education and occupation groups.

Initial factor analysis of Wechsler Memory Scale-Third Edition (WMS-III) standardization data resulted in a five-factor model that included separate immediate (IMM) and delayed (DEL) memory factors for auditory (AUD) and visual (VIS) memory. However, recent factor analyses that revealed three factors-AUD, VIS, and working memory-were discovered to be more accurate. Continued use of separate WMS-III IMM and DEL indices has been recommended because future studies with clinical groups might support this distinction. Data from this investigation of 88 temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients suggested separate IMM and DEL WMS-III indices are not necessary in this population. Results were as follows: 1) There was no significant difference between the IMM and DEL indices for AUD or VIS memory. 2) The percentage of individuals with a significant difference between the IMM and DEL indices (IMM minus DEL > 11 or < -12) was similar for our TLE group and the standardization sample. 3) The mean percent retention standard score (SS) was at the average level for the four memory subtests, and for each subtest only about 10% of the TLE patients had impaired scores. 4) Hippocampal volumes correlated significantly with both IMM and DEL indices. These data suggest that combining the appropriate WMS-IIII IMM and DEL memory subtest scores to form AUD and VIS memory indices is appropriate for TLE patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dodrill (1997) criticized clinical neuropsychology for making insufficient progress in recent decades. He attributed the lack of progress, in part, to ``unquestioned acceptance of erroneous beliefs by neuropsychologists,'' and six of these beliefs were outlined and rejected. Although Dodrill's overall effort to spur practitioners should be applauded, some of his points are debatable. We address his criticism concerning inertia in the field of neuropsychology, then defend two so-called ``myths,'' namely, that we have good knowledge of the constructs that neuropsychological tests measure, and that above-average intelligence is associated with above-average scores on neuropsychological measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]