Objective: To test the reliability and the discriminant and convergent validity of the abbreviated Brazilian Portuguese World Health Organization’s Quality of Life Instrument – Spirituality, Religion, and Personal Beliefs module (WHOQOL-SRPB BREF). Methods: In a sample of 404 individuals, we applied a general questionnaire, the WHOQOL-BREF, the long-form SRPB, the Brief Religious-Spiritual Coping Scale (RCOPE), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Priority was given to the 9-item SRPB assessment: its unidimensionality was tested through confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis of the 9-item SRPB assessment indicated an adjusted model with acceptable fit to data. In the Rasch analysis, general fit measures showed adequate performance. The 9-item SRPB assessment showed good internal consistency (alpha = 0.85), and could differentiate (discriminant validity) between religious and atheist/agnostic respondents (mean = 74.7±14.1 and 56.8±15.5, respectively; t = 6.37; degrees of freedom [df] = 402; p < 0.01) and between non-depressed and depressed respondents (mean = 76.5±12.9 and 67.1±16.5; t = 5.57; df = 190.5; p < 0.01). Correlations (convergent validity) were significant with the positive-RCOPE subscale (r = 0.58, p < 0.01) and the WHOQOL-BREF domains (Pearson coefficient ranging between 0.24 and 0.49; p < 0.01), but were in the negative direction with the negative-RCOPE subscale (r = -0.10, p < 0.05). Correlation with the long-form SRPB domain (r = 0.934) was almost perfect. Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese 9-item SRPB has good psychometric properties and confirmed the findings of the long-form Brazilian Portuguese version and the abbreviated English version.

The present study sought to provide evidence of criterion validity for the Benton Visual Retention Test by making comparisons between older adults with and without a possible diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The control group was composed of 50 older adults, and the clinical group was composed by 16 subjects. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, including χ² test, F and Wald statistics, t-test, analyses of covariance with α = .05, and effect size calculations. We used a sociodemographic data form, the Geriatric Depression Scale-15, and Mini Mental State Examination. Despite the small clinical sample size, the results pointed to evidence of validity for the Benton Visual Retention Test for Administration A (Memory) and Administration C (Copy). The clinical group had significantly poorer performance on most scores. These results also indicate important deficits in other neuropsychological functions in Alzheimer's disease.

Diferentes estudios han mostrado un aumento en las puntuaciones de los tests de inteligencia a lo largo de las últimas décadas - el "efecto Flynn". Sin embargo, el hecho de que este efecto no se haya observado consistentemente cuando las fuentes de habilidad cognitiva son utilizadas, hace que éste sea uno de los principales temas de discusión. Por tanto, la presente investigación tuvo como objetivo arrojar algo de luz sobre esta cuestión. Dos estudios que utilizaron diferentes medidas de habilidad cognitiva fueron diseñados con el fin de controlar los efectos de medición potencial. En el estudio participaron niños brasileños con edades comprendidas entre 6-12 años. El primer estudio tenía la prueba Dibujo de la figura humana como medida de la inteligencia; 294 niños fueron evaluados durante la década de 1980, mientras que 203 fueron evaluados durante la década del 2000. El segundo estudio utilizo las matrices de colores progresivas de Raven. Un total de 562 niños fueron evaluados durante la década de 1990, y 243 en la década del 2000. Los resultados no mostraron efectos significativos de generación, independientemente de la medida utilizada. Los aspectos educativos y sociales son considerados para explicar estos resultados.

Studies have shown an increase in intelligence test scores across decades - the "Flynn effect". Nevertheless, the fact that this effect has not been consistently observed when different sources of cognitive ability are used is one of the main topics of discussion. Thus, the present research aimed to shed some light on this issue. Two studies using different cognitive ability measures were designed in order to control for potential measure effects. Children were Brazilian, aged between 6-12 years. The first study had the Draw-a-Person test as a measure of intelligence; 294 children were assessed during 1980 decade, whilst 203 were assessed during the 2000 decade. The second study used the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. A total of 562 children were assessed during 1990 decade, and 243 in 2000 decade. Results showed no significant generation effects regardless of the measure used. Educational and social aspects are considered in order to explain these results.