A comparison of the Allen Cognitive Level Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in adults with schizophrenia

Objective. This study examines the relationship among executive function, v isuospatial problem solving, and measures of occupational functioning in 33 adult men with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder Method. Three measures were administered in a onetime assessment session. T he Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) was used to measure executive functio ning, abstract reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The Allen Cognitive Level (ACL) Test was used to measure learning, problem solving, and visuos patial abilities. The Routine Task Inventory (RTI) measured the level of pe rformance in activities of daily living. Results. Using multiple regression controlling for age, the WCST significan tly predicted performance on the ACL the RTI. Perseverative errors on the W CST were negatively correlated with the ACL (r = -.47) and RTI scores (r = -59). The ACL and RTI were also significantly correlated (r = .67). Conclusion. Both the WCST and the ACL are sensitive to similar domains of f unctioning and are predictive of task performance. The results support the we of the ACL as a quick measure of a person's cognitive and functional abi lities.