Examination of the Underlying Structure of the Nepsy: A Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment

Abstract

The internal structure of the NEPSY, a developmental neuropsychological instrument, was investigated with exploratory principal axis factor analyses using the correlation matrix for the 5- to 12-year-old children of the standardization sample. Additionally, a review of the psychometric properties of the NEPSY was conducted. The concurrence of multiple criteria indicated that a one-factor solution best describes the NEPSY (5-12) core domain structure. The five core domains specified in the test manual may significantly overdefine the NEPSY structure. Estimates of the unique variance accounted for by NEPSY subtests were also calculated. Most of the subtests have adequate or moderate specificity. Three subtests met the criteria for ample or excellent specificity. The subtest data should not be interpreted as if they reflect unique neuropsychological processing skills. Practitioners should be cautious in interpreting the core domain and subtest profiles of children's performance on the NEPSY. Further research of the utility of the NEPSY is needed.