The Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire: Factor Structure and Correlates in a Lifespan Sample

Matthew Calamia, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Celinda Reese-Melancon, Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Katie E. Cherry, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Karri S. Hawley, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia.
S Michal Jazwinski, Tulane Center for Aging and Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Abstract

The authors examined the factor structure of the Knowledge of Memory Aging Questionnaire (KMAQ) [1] using confirmatory factor analysis in a lifespan sample of 933 individuals who ranged in age from 18 to 101. Participants were college students at Louisiana State University and adults from the community enrolled in the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). A two-factor solution was expected, consistent with the normal and pathological memory aging dimensions that comprise the KMAQ. A bi-factor solution with items loading on a general response bias factor and either a normal or pathological knowledge-specific factor showed good model fit. Knowledge scores were correlated with demographic and cognitive performance variables. Implications of these data for clinical settings and research are considered.