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Factor Structure of Cognitive Ability Measures in Older African Americans

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Abstract

This study examined the fluid-crystallized distinction of cognitive abilities in African Americans. We analyzed the factorial invariance of a battery of cognitive ability measures in a sample of 197 community-dwelling African American elders. Specifically, factorial invariance was tested in groups of African American elders differing in age (50–61 years, 62–79 years) and education (low, high). Using a partial invariance approach, if non-invariance was found between two groups, we explored the specific model parameters that contributed to the overall lack of invariance. The results indicated that the factor structure was confirmed in the sample as a whole. Evidence of strict invariance was found between age groups. However, a lack of invariance of specific factor loadings, intercepts, and uniqueness terms was found between education groups. The importance of highlighting idiosyncrasies in cognitive performance among African Americans is shown using a within group variation approach.

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This work was supported by a grant to K.E.W. from the National Institute on Aging (1-RO3-AG18502-01). Special thanks to Janet West and Robin Parsell for their work on the project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, P.O. Box 90085, Durham, NC, 27708, USA

    Keith E. Whitfield

  2. Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA

    Jason C. Allaire & Alyssa A. Gamaldo

  3. Department of Psychology, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO, USA

    Jacqueline Bichsel

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  1. Keith E. Whitfield
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  2. Jason C. Allaire
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  3. Alyssa A. Gamaldo
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  4. Jacqueline Bichsel
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Correspondence to Keith E. Whitfield.

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Whitfield, K.E., Allaire, J.C., Gamaldo, A.A. et al. Factor Structure of Cognitive Ability Measures in Older African Americans. J Cross Cult Gerontol 25, 271–284 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-010-9120-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-010-9120-z

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