title: Group embedded figures test performance as a predictor of cognitive impairment among alcoholics.
abstract: The present study investigated the sensitivity of the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) as a predictor of cognitive impairment among alcoholics. The GEFT, Shipley-Hartford, and Memory-for-Designs tests were administered to 90 male alcoholics. GEFT performance correlated significantly with measures of impairment even when the influence of age and education were controlled. Field-dependent Ss performed at a significantly more impaired level on measures of abstract reasoning, perceptual-motor function, and short-term visual-spatial memory when compared with intermediate and field independent Ss; no differences were found among groups on general verbal ability. The results suggest that the GEFT might profitably be included in screening batteries for impaired cognitive function.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004522:Educational Status; D005364:Field Dependence-Independence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011581:Psychological Tests