Cognitive Assessments: Phone vs. In-Person
Author Information
Author(s): Jason Smith
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Does the method of cognitive assessment (telephone vs. in-person) affect cognitive performance in older adults?
Conclusion
Cognitive assessments show significant differences based on whether they are conducted via telephone or in-person, particularly in memory and attention tests.
Supporting Evidence
- People assessed by telephone had higher scores for memory and calculation items.
- Non-memory items scored lower when assessed by telephone.
- Cognition was differentially related to IADL score depending on assessment mode.
- Measurement invariance testing showed the largest mode differences in memory and attention items.
Takeaway
When older people take memory tests over the phone, they often score higher than when they take the same tests in person.
Methodology
We evaluated mode effects on cognitive items and overall scores in older adults using data from the 2014 Health and Retirement Study.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting cognitive performance across different assessment modes.
Participant Demographics
Adults aged 65-79.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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