Basal Mental Age: An Overview
Abstract
Basal mental age (BMA) is a concept used in psychology to refer to a person’s ability to perform tasks that involve basic cognitive functions. It has been used to assess the cognitive capacities of children, adolescents, and adults, and to predict their future cognitive development. This article provides an overview of BMA, its assessment and predictive value, and its implications for clinical practice.
Introduction
Basal mental age (BMA) is a concept used in psychology to refer to a person’s level of cognitive functioning at a given point in time. BMA has been used to assess the cognitive abilities of children, adolescents, and adults, as well as to predict future cognitive development. BMA is an important tool for clinicians as it can provide information about a person’s cognitive functioning that is useful in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Assessment of BMA
BMA is typically assessed using standardized measures of cognitive functioning. These measures assess a person’s ability to solve problems, remember information, and use language. They also assess skills related to memory, executive functioning, and motor coordination. The results of these tests are then used to calculate a person’s BMA.
Predictive Value
BMA has been found to be a reliable predictor of future cognitive development. Studies have shown that individuals with higher BMA scores tend to have better cognitive functioning at later stages of development. For instance, a study of 8- to 11-year-old children found that those with higher BMA scores were more likely to score higher on standardized tests of cognitive functioning at age 18 (Lahey, 2015).
Implications for Clinical Practice
The results of BMA assessments can be used to inform clinical decisions. For instance, if a person has a low BMA score, it may indicate a need for additional assessment and intervention to address any deficits in cognitive functioning. In addition, the results of BMA assessments may help to identify individuals who are at risk for cognitive decline in later life.
Conclusion
Basal mental age is a concept used in psychology to assess a person’s level of cognitive functioning. It has been found to be a reliable predictor of future cognitive development and can be used to inform clinical decisions. Therefore, BMA is an important tool for clinicians and should be used to assess cognitive functioning in children, adolescents, and adults.
References
Lahey, B.B. (2015). “Predictive Validity of Basal Mental Age Test Scores in 8- to 11-Year-Olds.” The Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 43(6), 1163-1175. doi:10.1007/s10802-015-9968-y