EN
Objectives. Impaired nonverbal memory in children can lead to difficulties in learning, social contact, and spatial orientation. Current neuropsychological methods able to estimate deficits in nonverbal memory do not adequately describe the process of encoding, storing, and recalling from memory; other shared drawbacks lie in incorporating the motor component, including easily verbalized material or displaying the ceiling effect. The purpose of this study is to examine the divergent and convergent validity of a newly constructed measure of Nonverbal Memory from the Neuropsychological Battery for Children (NM from NB-Ch). Sample and settings. The first cohort consisted of 32 participants who were administered 3 tests of nonverbal memory (NM from NB-Ch, Dot Locations from the Children’s Memory Scale (CMS), and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT)) as well as the Boston Naming Test (BNT), the Word Generation subtest from the Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, Second Edition (NEPSY-II), and the Theory of Mind subtest from NB-Ch. In the second cohort, 387 participants were included, and they had undergone a complete examination with NB-Ch. Hypotheses. NM from NB-Ch scores are hypothesized to demonstrate significant positive correlations with other measures of nonverbal memory, while exhibiting divergent correlation patterns with measures assessing different constructs. Statistical analyses. Construct validity was assessed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results. Moderate correlation between delayed recall of NM from NB-Ch, ROCFT 30 and BNT was found, while delayed recall of NM from NB-Ch also exhibited a strong correlation with ROCFT 3. Additionally, a positive trend between delayed recall of NM from NB-Ch and CMS 30 was observed. Delayed recall of NM from NB-Ch, Theory of Mind from NB-Ch and Word Generation from NEPSY-II showed a weak correlation. The delayed recall score in NM from NB-Ch is the most consistent score across all memory measures used. To conclude, the NM from NB-Ch is a valid tool for detailed assessment of memory processes involving visuospatial stimuli. NM from NB-Ch is unique compared to other measures, the stimulus material does not require constructional and fine-motor skills, and it is fully nonverbal. Thus, NM from NB-Ch is a promising tool for application in clinical practice.