Latent structure of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test: a confirmatory factor analytic study

TLDR

Early discontinuation rules in the WCST likely caused inconsistent factor analytic results by discarding useful data. This study performs the first large‑scale confirmatory factor analysis of the WCST and urges further multivariate research to clarify its underlying processes. The analysis confirms the three‑factor structure reported previously, but only the first factor—general executive functioning—is statistically reliable; secondary factors are unstable unless all 128 cards are completed.

Abstract

The present study represents the first large scale confirmatory factor analysis of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). The results generally support the three factor solutions reported in the exploratory factor analysis literature. However, only the first factor, which reflects general executive functioning, is statistically sound. The secondary factors, while likely reflecting meaningful cognitive abilities, are less stable except when all subjects complete all 128 cards. It is likely that having two discontinuation rules for the WCST has contributed to the varied factor analytic solutions reported in the literature and early discontinuation may result in some loss of useful information. Continued multivariate research will be necessary to better clarify the processes underlying WCST performance and their relationships to one another.