The constituent structure of subjective memory questionnaires: evidence from multiple sclerosis.
A number of different instruments have been devised for investigating individual differences in memory on the basis of subjective reports. One such questionnaire was mailed to individuals on a register of patients with multiple sclerosis, a condition that is known to be associated with objective impairments in cognition and memory. A similar questionnaire was enclosed to be completed about each patient by a close relative. The patients' and relatives' responses were found to share a factor structure identifying memory problems in five areas: receptive communication, route finding, absent-mindedness, face recognition, and expressive communication. These were dominated by a single second-order factor representing a global subjective memory impairment. There were some minor differences between the patients and relatives in their factor scores, but there was generally a high degree of concordance in their responses.
Richardson
J T
JT
Department of Human Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UK.
Chan
R C
RC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D015588:Observer Variation; D011581:Psychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom