Validity and Reliability of the Working Memory Scale for Children Aged 5-10 Years

In this study, it was aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Working Memory Scale developed to determine the performance of working memory for children in the age group of 5-10 years. The scale evaluates with nine subtests in total four dimensions as verbal / visual short-term memory and verbal / visual working memory. A correlational model from relational screening models was used in the study. A total of 1494 children constituted the sample, 634 of whom were involved in the two trial stages and 860 were involved in the main application. All children were administered the Working Memory Scale. Content validity of the scale was examined by means of expert opinions. To determine the construct validity a principal content analysis, a cluster analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed. For the discriminant validity, point-biserial correlation coefficients and the item-total score correlations were calculated. Academic Achievement Scales were used for criterion validity. In order to determine the test-retest reliability, a Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated while a Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated for the split-half reliability. The findings of the study show that the Working Memory Scale can be used in the field as a valid and reliable tool