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The performance of 44 Finnish alcoholics was measured on a Vygotskian version of the Raven's Progressive Matrices and four traditional static tests (the Digit Symbol and Block Design subtests from the WAIS, Part B of the Trial Making Test, and the Embedded Figures Test). Of the static tests only the Block Design showed consistent congruence with the results of the learning potential test. The other static tests discriminated only partially from each other the groups which were formed according to learning potential. The most fruitful way to test alcoholics is probably to have a flexible combination of static and dynamic tests. We also need to have tests that are applicable to both static and dynamic testing.

Total scores of the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) were correlated with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised Full Scale IQs (WAIS-R FSIQ) in order to obtain age-stratified estimates of WAIS-R FSIQ (N = 308). Results show a significant positive correlation between age-stratified WAIS-R FSIQ and SPM in all age groups except those 65 and older and between educational level and SPM for all age groups except the very young (16 to 24 years), the 55- to 64-year-olds, and the elderly (65 and older). A multiple regression and cross-validation revealed that race and age also must be used as moderator variables when one is predicting FSIQ in this population. It is concluded that the SPM can be used as an estimate of WAIS-R FSIQ.

As part of the Leicester/DHSS project on microcomputer-aided assessment, 274 patients at five clinical sites were assessed with either a computerized version or the standard version of the Mill Hill Vocabulary (Synonyms) test. Of this group, 178 were retested on the alternative version of the test. Similarly, 184 patients were tested with either a computerized version or the standard version of the Standard Progressive Matrices test, of whom 129 were retested on the alternative test form. High correlations were found between the standard and computerized versions for both tests. For the Mill Hill Vocabulary test, no significant difference was found between test versions for first administration, and the vast majority of retested subjects had very similar scores on each version. On the Standard Progressive Matrices, however, subjects obtained significantly lower scores on the computerized test. It is concluded that whereas the computerized Mill Hill Vocabulary test could be used in place of the standard version of clinical settings, the computerized Standard Progressive Matrices test could not be used.

A cross-sectional study of 60 multiple sclerosis outpatients assessed neuropsychological variables in relation to age, duration of disease, and degree of disability. The test battery included subtests of the WAIS (Vocabulary, Similarities, and Digit Span);the Raven matrices; and memory tests (Wechsler Paired Associates, Benton Visual Retention). Results showed that cognitive functioning of MS patients varies considerably. There is a general mild decline that affects abstract reasoning and memory as the disease progresses. These deficits are usually not sufficient to impair occupational or social functioning. In addition, there is spotty deterioration in certain cognitive functions for some patients (17%). Only a small subsample (6.7%), however, showed global deterioration significant enough to be highlighted by an Index of Dementia that was developed for this investigation.

Normative data stratified by age and sex are presented for 12 neuro-psychological tests from a large neurologically intact, nonpsychiatric adult sample (127 males, 98 females, aged 15–40 years). The tests include Language Modalities Test for Aphasia, Memory-for-Designs, Coloured Progressive Matrices, Symbol-Gestalt, Minute Estimation, Controlled Word Association, Written Word Fluency, Purdue Pegboard, Williams Clinical Memory, Symbol Digit Modalities, L. J. Tactile Recognition, and Wisconsin Card Sorting.

This report provides new American age norms for Raven's Progressive Matrices (Raven, 1938), based on the screening of 500 vocational counseling and 2992 psychiatric veteran patients newly admitted to a VA general medical and surgical hospital. Reliability data are acceptable, but indicate the need for revision of the Raven. Within the limits set by current reliability, validity data are presented and are positive.

This study investigated the utility of considering Digits Forward (DF) and Digits Backward (DB) as separate components of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). Protocols of WAIS-Rs, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Tests-Revised (PPVT-Rs), and Standard Progressive Matrices (SPMs) were examined (N = 50). Pearson correlations of Forward and Backward digit repetition and scores from PPVT-Rs and SPMs were calculated. Repetitions of DF were correlated significantly (p < .01) with SPM performance. Repetitions of DB were correlated significantly with performance on the PPVT-R (p < .02), although a stronger correlation was obtained between DB and SPM performance (p < .001). These findings indicate that although DF and DB tasks are related, the combination of these tasks into a single score might obscure important information.

Examined the hypothesis that imprisonment leads to cognitive impairment. The author presents a review of empirical studies and data of a research project carried out in Belgian prisons. In this latter project the Progressive Matrices were administered individually to 90 inmates in three Belgian prisons. All Ss were male, but differed in age, type of crime, and length of incarceration. Regression analysis was carried out to determine the effect of length of imprisonment on PM IQ-scores. Regression analysis was repeated for subgroups of offenders (against persons and against property). R2 and beta values never reached levels of statistical significance, which indicates that intellectual functioning was not influenced by length of imprisonment.

There is clear evidence in the literature for permanent cerebral impairment due to prolonged alcohol abuse. Observation also suggests that there is a component of this cerebral impairment that is found immediately subsequent to heavy drinking and that is reversible. This study examined the time-course of recovery from this temporary impairment and delineated more specifically the neuropsychological functions that participate in the recovery. Four groups (N = 87) of hospitalized male alcoholics were tested after 6, 15, 21, and 110 days of abstinence using the Raven Progressive Matrices, the Trail-Making Test, the Memory for Designs, and the following subscales of the WAIS: Arithmetic, Digit Span, Block Design, Similarities, and Digit Symbol. The results indicated that significant improvement occurred during the third week of abstinence (between 15 and 21 days) on the Digit Span, Block Design, Similarities, Memory for Designs, Raven, and Trail-Making tests, but not on the Arithmetic and Digit Symbol tests. These results suggest that treatment programs that use a preliminary "drying-out" period should consider lengthening this period to 3 weeks to insure that patients are maximally responsive to psychotherapy.