One hundred elderly adults (mean = 71.3 years of age, range = 59-88 years) in four WAIS vocabulary subgroups (less than 40, 40-49, 50-59, greater than or equal to 60) served in an evaluation of the effects of using multiple comprehension test trials to improve informed consent procedures. Participants in Group I were given a single comprehension test and feedback before signing consent documents, while those in Group II were provided with as many as three comprehension trials, if necessary. All participants were tested for memory of the information 2-3 weeks later. Results indicated that both comprehension and memory performance varied directly with vocabulary level. The multi-trial approach improved comprehension scores at all vocabulary levels, but had no effect upon memory.

Eighty-seven elderly adults (57-87 years of age) divided into four WAIS vocabulary subgroups (less than 40, 40-49, 50-59, greater than or equal to 60) participated in a study of comprehension and memory of an informed consent procedure. Ss in Group I read the consent form and, with the information sheet still present, answered multiple choice questions covering the main points of information. Feedback and corrected answers were then provided. Ss in Group II read the consent form but did not receive the comprehension test or feedback. All Ss were tested for memory of the information 2-3 weeks later. Results indicated that losses in performance increased with decreasing levels of vocabulary. Losses associated with low vocabulary levels appeared to be comprehension-related and did not increase in later tests of memory. The use of corrected feedback provided a significant general improvement at all vocabulary levels but did not reduce the effects due to vocabulary levels.

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