HVLT-R™

Reliability, Validity, and Norms

• The HVLT-R has high test-retest reliability and is construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity has been well established.
• 45 neurologically and cognitively normal participants were administered a different randomly-selected form of the HVLT-R on two occasions.
• The two studies conducted by Benedictet al, together with the comparison of forms reported, indicate that the six forms of the HVLT-R are equivalent for the recall trials.

Administration

• Testing should be conducted in a quiet room, free from distractions.
• Before administering the test, the examiner should ascertain the respondent’s ability to hear spoken language at a conversational volume.
• The HVLT-R is intended for use with English-speaking individuals whose hearing is adequate for ordinary conversation.
• Read the instructions out aloud, verbatim.
• Read the word list at the rate of approximately one word every 2 seconds.
• Although the HVLT-R is simple to administer and score, examiners should be well practiced in the standardized procedures.

Scoring and Reporting

• Raw scores are derived for the total Recall, Delayed Recall, Retention (% retained), and a Recognition Discrimination Index.
• For each of the three Learning and Recall Trials (i.e. Learning Trials 1, 2, and 3) and the Delayed Recall Trial, tally the number of correctly reported words.
• Correct minor errors in pronunciation or pluralization (e.g. “rubies” for “ruby”) as they occur, but count these responses as correct.
• Select the appropriate comparison age group.
• For the Recognition Discrimination Index, select the appropriate column for the specific HVLT-R form that was administered.