Developmental memory performance: Inter-task consistency and base-rate variability on the WRAML

Two studies examined developmental memory test consistency and base-rate va riability on the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML) using three age cohorts from the standardization sample. Study 1 examined inter- subtest correlation coefficients across the nine subtests of the WRAML and compared across three age cohorts (5, 11, 16 to 17 year olds). An age-relat ed increase in inter-task consistency was found (mean r = .26 and .42 for t he youngest and oldest age groups, respectively). However, correlation coef ficients were generally in the low to moderate range (rs = .2 to .5) for al l three cohorts suggesting considerable performance variability across memo ry subtests. Study 2 examined base-rate variability in the WRAML standardiz ation sample using several different methods. More specifically, base-rate information is provided for the maximum discrepancy between subtests, profi le strengths and weakness (i.e., discrepancies from the mean scaled score), and the prevalence of individuals within the "deficient" performance range (i.e., <= 2 SD below normative means). In addition, performance variabilit y across the four WRAML index scores was examined by determining the preval ence rates for the maximum discrepancy (1) between index scores, and (2) fr om the General Memory Index compared to the other three index scores. Perfo rmance discrepancies tended to be higher among the youngest group. Again, h owever, considerable performance variability was observed across all three age cohorts. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.