Factor structure of cognitive ability measures in older African Americans.
This study examined the fluid-crystallized distinction of cognitive abilities in African Americans. We analyzed the factorial invariance of a battery of cognitive ability measures in a sample of 197 community-dwelling African American elders. Specifically, factorial invariance was tested in groups of African American elders differing in age (50-61 years, 62-79 years) and education (low, high). Using a partial invariance approach, if non-invariance was found between two groups, we explored the specific model parameters that contributed to the overall lack of invariance. The results indicated that the factor structure was confirmed in the sample as a whole. Evidence of strict invariance was found between age groups. However, a lack of invariance of specific factor loadings, intercepts, and uniqueness terms was found between education groups. The importance of highlighting idiosyncrasies in cognitive performance among African Americans is shown using a within group variation approach.
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, PO Box 90085, Durham, NC 27708, USA. kwhit1@duke.edu
Keith E
KE
Whitfield
Jason C
JC
Allaire
Alyssa A
AA
Gamaldo
Jacqueline
J
Bichsel
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001076:Aptitude; D003071:Cognition; D004522:Educational Status; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States