FACTOR STRUCTURE OF THE PASS COGNITIVE TASKS - A REEXAMINATION OF NAGLIERI ET-AL (1991) - REPLY

In this short article we examine a proposed revision of the PASS theor y suggested by Kranzler and Weng (this issue) following their analysis of a study we conducted some years ago. On the basis of LISREL analys es of a small sample of students, Kranzler and Weng have suggested a r evision in the planning, attention, simultaneous, successive (PASS) co gnitive processing model. We developed this model from the neuropsycho logical work of A. R. Luria and from cognitive psychological findings that have been published over the past 40 years. Kranzler and Weng's s uggestion is that planning and attention are not distinct enough to wa rrant separation and the model should be changed to (PA)SS. We firmly and completely reject this suggestion because (a) they use a factorial approach to theory building that we reject; (b) their suggestion is b ased on one factor analysis of a relatively small sample based on some tests that have since been modified or rejected; (c) they ignore the large volume of evidence from neuroscience and cognitive psychology th at attentional and planning processes are separate cognitive functions ; (d) more recent confirmatory research supports the separation of pla nning and attention; and (e) they provide insufficient evidence to mak e such a modification.