Parkinson's disease and the Stroop color word test: processing speed and interference algorithms.
Processing speed alters the traditional Stroop calculations of interference. Consequently, alternative algorithms for calculating Stroop interference have been introduced to control for processing speed, and have done so in a multiple sclerosis sample. This study examined how these processing speed correction algorithms change interference scores for individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 58) and non-PD peers (n = 68).



Linear regressions controlling for demographics predicted group (PD vs. non-PD) differences for Jensen's, Golden's, relative, ratio, and residualized interference scores. To examine convergent and divergent validity, interference scores were correlated with standardized measures of processing speed and executive function.



PD-non-PD differences were found for Jensen's interference score, but not Golden's score, or the relative, ratio, and residualized interference scores. Jensen's score correlated significantly with standardized processing speed but not executive function measures. Relative, ratio, and residualized scores correlated with executive function but not processing speed measures. Golden's score did not correlate with any other standardized measures.



The relative, ratio, and residualized scores were comparable for measuring Stroop interference in processing speed-impaired populations. Overall, the ratio interference score may be the most useful calculation method to control for processing speed in this population.
a Department of Psychology , Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System , Danville , IL , USA.
Shannon M
SM
Sisco
b Department of Clinical and Health Psychology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA.
Elizabeth
E
Slonena
c Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, Department of Neurology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA.
Michael S
MS
Okun
b Department of Clinical and Health Psychology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA.|c Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, Department of Neurology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA.
Dawn
D
Bowers
b Department of Clinical and Health Psychology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA.
Catherine C
CC
Price
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D057190:Stroop Test / Q000592:standards*
Parkinson’s; Stroop; interference; processing speed; psychometrics