Abstract:
This exploratory study aimed to investigate the influence of specific socio-demographic variables on a computerized test
of non-verbal neuropsychological performance. Six hundred and thirty South African first year students were assessed
using the University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neuropsychological Test Battery (PennCNP). Fluid intelligence was
measured by a computerized version of the Raven’s Progressive Matrices (SRAVENS). Analysis of variance indicated that
gender, home language, quality of schooling, language of schooling and paternal education influenced performance on
the SRAVEN. Stepwise multiple regression evidenced the importance of language, paternal education and high school
language on SRAVENS responses. The assumption of non-verbal test scores as being independent of socio-demographic
factors needs to be revisited as such independence cannot be maintained in light of such evidence.
