“Memory span for digits has been underrated as a psychometric test by most clinical psychologists.” -(Jensen, 1970, p. If Digit Span were observed to share a nonlinear association with g, as contended by Wechsler, then perhaps it would be appropriate to consider substituting it for another subtest, one that has a respectable association with g across the whole spectrum of ability. From an applied clinical perspective, it was considered important to address this question, because Digit Span is one of the 10 core subtests within the Wechsler scales that are used to estimate an individual’s FSIQ. Either position would be an important one to demonstrate empirically. By contrast, if Digit Span scores were observed to share a nonlinear (quadratic and negative) association with g, then Wechsler’s position would be substantiated. If Digit Span scores were observed to share a meaningful and largely linear association with g, then the relatively poor view of the Digit Span test within the clinical assessment community would need to be reconsidered. The association between memory span, as measured by Digit Span from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV Wechsler, 2008a), and g. Keywords: memory span, Digit Span, general intelligence, working memory The results are discussed in light of the increasing evidence across multiple domains that memory span plays an important role in intellectual functioning. Thus, the commonly held position that Digit Span performance beyond an average level is not indicative of greater intellectual functioning was not supported. Based on linear and nonlinear contrast analyses of means, as well as linear and nonlinear bifactor model analyses, all 3 Digit Span indicators (LDSF, LDSB, and LDSS) were found to exhibit primarily linear associations with FSIQ/g. Consequently, the purpose of this investigation was to test Wechsler’s contention on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition normative sample (N ⫽ 1,800 ages: 16 – 69). Although Wechsler’s position does not appear to have ever been tested empirically, it does appear to have become clinical lore. In fact, Wechsler (1958) contended that beyond an average level of Digit Span performance, there was little benefit to possessing a greater memory span. Historically, Digit Span has been regarded as a relatively poor indicator of general intellectual functioning (g). Pearson Clinical & Talent Assessment, San Antonio, Texas This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.ĭigit Span Is (Mostly) Related Linearly to General Intelligence: Every Extra Bit of Span Counts Gilles E. This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.
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