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Exploring What the Austin Maze Measures: A Comparison Across Conventional and Computer Versions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2013

Renerus John Stolwyk ,
Shuzi Lee ,
Adam McKay  and
Jennie Louise Ponsford
Renerus John Stolwyk*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Shuzi Lee
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Adam McKay
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia Epworth Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Australia
Jennie Louise Ponsford
Affiliation:
School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Melbourne, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Rene Stolwyk, School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Building 17, Clayton Campus, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The Austin Maze is a neuropsychological assessment tool used to measure cognitive function. A computerised version of the tool has recently been developed and shown to be equivalent to the conventional version in terms of performance. However, controversy remains regarding which specific cognitive constructs the conventional and computer versions of the Austin Maze purport to measure. The aim of this study was to investigate which cognitive constructs are associated with Austin Maze performance and whether these constructs remain equivalent across conventional and computer versions. Sixty-three healthy people completed both conventional and computerised versions of the Austin Maze in addition to a number of established measures of planning, error utilisation, working memory, visuospatial ability and visuospatial memory. Results from a series of regression analyses demonstrated that both versions of the Austin Maze were predominantly associated with visuospatial ability and visuospatial memory. No executive measures, including those of planning, error utilisation or working memory, significantly contributed to any Austin Maze performances. This study complements previous research and supports equivalency of the conventional and computer versions of the Austin Maze.

Keywords

Austin Mazecomputer versionconstruct validityneuropsychological assessmentvisual memory
Type
Articles
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , September 2013 , pp. 243 - 252
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2013 

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