The construct validity of the four word short-term memory test: A preliminary study

Recent research with the Four Word Short-Term Memory Test (STMT) has suggested that it may provide information useful in the clinical setting. The present study evaluated the construct validity of the STMT. Twenty subjects were administered the STMT in addition to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler Memory Scale. As expected, performance on the STMT was significantly correlated with both Memory Quotient and Verbal Intelligence Quotient. A stepwise linear regression analysis suggested a trend toward significance for the relationship between the STMT and MQ, after accounting for the influence of Verbal Intelligence Quotient. The data suggest the need for a verbal intelligence correction when using the STMT clinically.