This study set out to provide preliminary cross-cultural normative data for educationally disadvantaged Black South African Xhosa individuals (N=33; age range = 18 to 40 years; highest educational level = Grade 11 or Grade 12), on the Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) administered in English. The outcome was statistically analysed for within sample age and gender effects; and the derived normative indications were descriptively compared with existing age-equivalent norms. Results indicate that performance on these tasks declined with the advancement of age, and that the derived Xhosa scores were considerably lower than those of available norms especially for the Visual Reproduction subtest. We concluded that the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction tests have applicability for clinical use on this population with locally acquired norms.
Within neuropsychological batteries, the clinical assessment of memory is approached and subsequently achieved through two useful divisions, namely verbal and visual memory subtypes. This partition is clinically indicated and practical as it allows conclusions to be drawn on (i) the presence of diffuse damage frequently indicated by overall poor performance on both memory subtypes, as well as the (ii) specific left or right hemispheric pathology, indicated by a deleterious performance on either verbal or visual memory, respectively (Lezak, Howieson, & Loring, 2004; Scoville, & Milner, 1957). Neuropsychological assessment is used extensively in South Africa within the context of a high incidence of road accidents, learning difficulties and traumatic brain injury following assault (Skuy, Schutte, Fridjhon, & O’Carroll, 2001). Specifically, within personal injury claims associated with head injuries, neuropsychologists can provide answers related to diagnosis, nature and impact of impairment, measurement of change, prognostic prediction, and management, occupational and placement recommendations with decisions often carrying substantial financial compensations (Crawford, Parker, & McKinlay, 1992). For the purposes of such assessment, evaluation of memory function is an essential component.