STANDARDIZATION STUDY OF “TRAIL MAKING TEST” FOR TURKISH ADULTS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE (AGES 50 AND OVER)

摘要

Introduction: The main purpose of this study, a neuropsychological test called Trail Making Test (TMT), is made standardize for Turkish adults and/or elderlys. TMT (A-B Parts) measured to executive functions like complex visual-motor conceptual screening, planning, organization, abstract thinking, response inhibiton. This research consist of two main parts, first part is to norm determination study and the second part is to conduct reliabilty and validity studies. Materials and Method: The standardization study was carried on 484 participants (238 female and 246 male). The 50 and over year old participants selected from state and private institutions or retired this instutions. The research design of standardization study involved age (7 levels), sex (2 levels) and education (3 levels). Results: This study showed that effects of age, sex and education variables on eight different TMT scores. ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of age on Part A time, Part B time, Part A-B, Part A+B scores. Non-parametric statistical analysis showed that, Part A number of correction and Part B number of correction scores differentiated by age groups. Test-retest reliability of Part A time score of TMT was found .78, Part B time score of TMT was found .73 .Inter-rater reliability for Part A time score was found .99, Part B time score was found .93. Conclusion: This study provides normative data for a psychometric tool that reliably measures the executive functions in 50 year and over Turkish elderlys.