A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SCREENING ADJUNCT (NSA) AND THE CORNELL SELECTEE INDEX (FORM N)
Abstract
1. A statistical correlation study made in an induction station between the Neuropsychiatric Screening Adjunct (NSA) and the Cornell Selectee Index, Form N, revealed that both tests performed the same function as shown by a correlation of minus .81.
2. Intensive neuropsychiatric examining experience in an induction station, has taught the need for greater attention to be given to the manner in which individual test items are answered, and a minimum amount of consideration given to the test score value.
3. We believe the NSA test superior to Form N in the following ways: (a) Less time is required for administration and scoring; (b) phrasing of individual questions is better in that wording is more simple and to the point; (c) a minimum of non-essential questions are presented. This quality permits a perusal of the items by the examiner with a minimum of time and visual sorting of the significant responses; (d) the multiplicity of choice in type of reply allowed the individual was of definite aid in the economy of the neuropsychiatrist's time.
4. Certain advantageous elements were present in Form N which were lacking in the NSA; namely, Form N contained certain very important questions absent in the other test, and several items were better worded and presented than similar items in the NSA.
5. Neither the NSA nor Form N was designed to effectively detect psychopathology such as psychopathic personalities, conversion hysteria trends, obsessional states, and the pre-psychotic and psychotic personalities.
6. Any type of neuropsychiatric screening test must only serve as a supplement to an examiner's judgment. The utilization of a test score by a clerk as the only criterion to determine whether an individual is neuropsychiatrically acceptable, without a routine neuropsychiatric interview, is not recommended. Of necessity, a neuropsychiatric interview must include a neurological examination.
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