Journal
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
Volume 31, Issue 9, Pages 1656-1660Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2009.10.019
Keywords
Structural equation modelling; Model specification; Model comparison; Cognitive aging; White matter integrity; Diffusion tensor imaging; General intelligence
Categories
Funding
- MRC [G0701120, G0700704] Funding Source: UKRI
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Funding Source: Medline
- Medical Research Council [82800, G0700704, G0701120] Funding Source: Medline
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Charlton et al (2008) (Charlton, R A, Landua, S Schiavone, F Barrick, T R. Clark, C A, Markus, H S, Morris. R G A, 2008 Structural equation modelling investigation of age-related variance in executive function and DTI-measured white matter change Neurobiol Aging 29, 1547-1555) presented a model that suggests a specific age-related effect of white matter integrity on working memory. We illustrate potential pitfalls of structural equation modelling by criticizing their model for (a) Its neglect of latent variables. (b) its complexity, (c) Its questionable causal assumptions, (d) the use of empirical model reduction, (e) the mix-up of theoretical perspectives, and (f) the failure to compare alternative models We show that a more parsimonious model, based solely on the well-established general factor of cognitive ability, fits their data at least as well Importantly, when modelled this way there is no support for a role of white matter integrity in cognitive aging in this sample, indicating that their conclusion is strongly dependent on how the data are analysed. We suggest that evidence from more conclusive study designs is needed (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved
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