Neuropsychological evaluation for young adults: Visuospatial episodic memory and fluid intelligence as predictors of functionality in adult teacher candidates in early childhood education

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive roles of visuospatial episodic memory and fluid intelligence on functionality in adult teacher candidates in early childhood education in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Of the group members, 210 (52.5%) are female and 190 (47.5%) are male. In terms of class level distribution, the highest participation is from Senior, with 280 adults (70%). This group is followed by the Junior with 120 (30%). As for their socioeconomic status, they were ranged from medium economic status. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 22.0 for descriptive statistics and data input and the AMOS 20 software for Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFAs) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). RESULTS: The indirect effects of visuospatial episodic memory on functionality via fluid intelligence were significant in using the bootstrapping method. Visuospatial episodic memory and fluid intelligence were the two direct significant predictors of functionality. Each of the two independent variables made significant individual contributions to the prediction of functionality.