Application of different standard error estimates in reliable change methods

Abstract

Objective: This study attempted to clarify the applicability of standard error (SE) terms in clinical research when examining the impact of short-term practice effects on cognitive performance via reliable change methodology. Method: This study compared McSweeney's SE of the estimate (SEest) to Crawford and Howell's SE for prediction of the regression (SEpred) using a developmental sample of 167 participants with either normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) assessed twice over 1 week. One-week practice effects in older adults: Tools for assessing cognitive change. Using these SEs, previously published standardized regression-based (SRB) reliable change prediction equations were then applied to an independent sample of 143 participants with MCI. Results: This clinical developmental sample yielded nearly identical SE values (e.g., 3.697 vs. 3.719 for HVLT-R Total Recall SEest and SEpred, respectively), and the resultant SRB-based discrepancy z scores were comparable and strongly correlated (r = 1.0, p