Validity and Reliability of a Working Memory Task for Children: Picture Span

Abstract

Working Memory is an active memory system responsible of simultaneous storage and concurrent processing of information. The aim of this work is to present the psychometric properties of a global Working Memory task: Picture Span. Picture Span along with the Automated Working Memory Assessment battery Block Design subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were administered to 210 children of 6-, 8- and 11-years old from Buenos Aires City, Argentina. Internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha was estimated and evidence in favor of convergent and discriminate validity was assessed through a correlation analysis and a posterior exploratory factor analysis. Results showed that Picture Span is a valid and reliable instrument to globally assess Working Memory in children within our context.

Keywords

• Working Memory
• Picture Span
• Validation
• Children