Performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test after traumatic brain injury

The performance of 100 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the Wi sconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was examined to determine the underlying l atent structure as well as profile subtypes. Exploratory factor analysis wi th oblique rotation identified three factors: response accuracy, learning, and failure to maintain set. Marker variables from each factor were then in cluded in a two-stage cluster analysis, which identified two reliable subty pes. Level of performance differences between these subtypes were meaningfu lly related to both demographic background and length of coma. It is conclu ded that interpretation of the WCST results of patients with TBI should con sider the multifactorial nature of the instrument in combination with injur y severity characteristics and demographic variables.