Evaluating the Relation between Memory and Intelligence in Children with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Although both intelligence tests and memory tests are commonly used in neuropsychological examinations, the relationship between memory and intelligence has not been fully explored, particularly for children having learning disabilities. Memory, or the ability to retain information, was evaluated using the Test of Memory and Learning, a recently released test that gives a comprehensive measure of global memory functioning. This, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition, used to assess intelligence, were given to 80 students with learning disabilities. The correlation between a global measure of memory and a global measure of intelligence was significant ( r = .59), indicating that memory should be viewed as an important component when evaluating children with learning disabilities.