89–91 An overabundance of noncomputerized neuropsychological tests (i.e., paper-pencil) are used routinely in the field of epilepsy 92 (see Table 15.2). 86 All of these tests have been used in numerous studies in the literature and all have been utilized in the evaluation of both seizure effects 41, 87, 88 and AED effects. Together with some neuropsychological measures ( Rey auditory verbal learning test Rey Complex Figure Marching Test from the Reitan-Indiana Neuropsychological Test Battery for Young Children Controlled Oral Word Association Test), 84, 85 general, broad-spectrum batteries of tests are routinely used in epilepsy: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R) Neuropsychological Battery for Epilepsy. The batteries of tests used in epilepsy differ to those used in BT.
For a detailed review of the AVLT, see Peaker and Stewart (1989). The normative data on this test has also been reviewed by D'Elia, Boone and Mitrushima (1995). However, the situation has improved, with excellent norms for the elderly provided by Geffen, Moar, O'Hanlon, Clark, and Geffen (1990), Ivnik et al. The initial normative data that was referred to widely was rather limited ( Lezak, 1983). Because of the rather abstract nature of the test, that is, 15 unconnected words and repetition over five trials, this can be a rather stressful measure for an elderly individual of failing cognitive abilities. An equivalent form of AVLT has been provided by Crawford, Stewart, and Moore (1989c).
A key feature of the AVLT (and its successor, the California Verbal Learning Test) is that it affords the opportunity to measure rate of learning, as opposed to recall of a single stimulus, or series of stimuli. This is followed by a second 15-word list (list B), followed by recall of list A, and delayed recall and recognition are also tested. Five presentations of a 15-word list are given, each followed by attempted recall.
The auditory verbal learning test (AVLT Rey, 1964) is one of the most widely used word learning tests in clinical research and practice. O'Carroll, in Comprehensive Clinical Psychology, 1998 7.07.9.4.1 The Auditory Verbal Learning Test