A problem-solving version of the Allen Cognitive Level Test.
The purpose of this study was to construct and validate a problem-solving version of the existing Allen Cognitive Level Test (ACL) (Allen, 1985). The new problem-solving version of the ACL (ACL-PS) follows the theoretical developments of the cognitive disability theory and the information processing approach. It was constructed to provide a more accurate assessment of the problem-solving process as well as task performance, especially at the higher cognitive levels. Both tests were administered to a psychiatric adolescent group (n = 49) who were subdivided according to diagnosis and to a matched nondysfunctional control group (n = 29). The results showed that both the ACL and the ACL-PS differentiated significantly between the patients and the control subjects and among the patient groups. At Level 6 of the ACL, none of the subjects needed any demonstration, with all scores distributed between independent performance or performance following verbal instructions only, that is, problem-solving phases that were added with the ACL-PS. The scoring of the ACL-PS is provided in addition to detailed scoring of the cognitive levels. It is suggested that the ACL-PS be implemented as a clinical evaluative tool with adolescents.
Josman
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Occupational Therapy Department, New York University, New York 10003.
Katz
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D000293:Adolescent; D003071:Cognition; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D008606:Mental Processes; D011340:Problem Solving; D011581:Psychological Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results