Convergent and Discriminant Validity of the CVLT (Dementia Version)

Abstract

This study investigated the convergent and discriminant validity of the 9-item “dementia version” of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-9) in a sample of 130 geriatric patients evaluated for memory complaints. Moderate correlations were observed between the CVLT-9 sum of words recalled for trials 1–5 (Trial 1–5 Recall) and Long-Delay Free Recall (LDFR) measures and the immediate and delayed Logical Memory (LM I and LM II) and Visual Reproduction (VR I and VR II) subtests from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R). However, the CVLT-9 Trial 1–5 Recall and VR I measures demonstrated significant correlations with a number of additional measures of language and visuospatial ability. The CVLT-9 LDFR, and the WMS-R LM I, LM II, and VR II showed less overlap with non-episodic memory functioning. A principal components analysis yielded a three-component solution consisting of a general or “g” component, a specific memory component, and a mood component. The CVLT-9 Trial 1–5 Recall and VR I loaded on both the “g” and the memory components, whereas LM I, LM II, and VR II loaded on only the memory component. We conclude that the CVLT-9 Trial 1–5 Recall and VR I demonstrate low discriminant validity, suggesting diminished specificity as memory measures.