A comparison of the Minnesota Perceptual Diagnostic Test Revised and the Bender Gestalt.

Abstract

This study involved two objectives, first to compare the Bender Gestalt and the Minnesota Perceptual Diagnostic Test-Revised (MPDT-R) in ability to predict children's intellectual and academic performance as measured by standardized tests such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale Revised (WISC-R) and the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) and second to evaluate the item correlations between Bender, MPDT-R, WRAT and WISC-R scores to determine if either perceptual motor test provides unique information abut the cognitive-perceptual abilities of children. Thirty-three children were given the WISC-R, WRAT. Bender Gestalt and MPDT-R. Multiple regression analyses with the Bender and the MPDT-R as predictor variables were used to predict intellectual and academic performance. These analyses indicated that the MPDT-R was clearly superior to the Bender in prediction of WISC-R Full IQ and WRAT spelling and math scores. Neither perceptual motor test was a significant predictor of the WRAT reading performance. Factor analysis suggested that the MPDT-R provides unique information concerning a child's perceptual-cognitive development which may be useful in differential assessment of learning disabilities.