An item response theory/confirmatory factor analysis of the Autobiographical Memory Test.
The Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) is used to assess the degree of specificity of autobiographical memory. The AMT usually contains cue words of both positive and negative valence, but it is unclear whether these valences form separate factors or not. Accordingly, confirmatory factor analysis assessed whether the AMT measures one overall factor, or whether different cue types are related to different factors. Results were consistent across three datasets (N = 333, N = 405, and N = 336). A one-factor model fitted each dataset well, which suggests that responses to positive and negative cues are related to the one construct. In addition, item response theory analyses showed that the AMT is most precise for people who score low on memory specificity. Implications for using the AMT with high-functioning samples are discussed.
Griffith
James W
JW
Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. j-griffith@northwestern.edu
Sumner
Jennifer A
JA
Debeer
Elise
E
Raes
Filip
F
Hermans
Dirk
D
Mineka
Susan
S
Zinbarg
Richard E
RE
Craske
Michelle G
MG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003463:Cues; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011594:Psychometrics; D055815:Young Adult