Equivalence of three alternative forms of Benton's Visual Retention Test.

Abstract

Analysis of the stimulus composition of the three alternative forms of Benton's Visual Retention Test showed the three forms differed from each other in lateral distribution and vertical placement of peripheral details, in equality of chances for the elicitation of stabilizations, internal distortions, and mirror rotations. When 106 Ss were randomly assigned to perform one of the three forms, their mean “correct” and “error” scores were very close to each other. No significant influence of individual Ss on means was observed and the power of specific figures to elicit errors by individual Ss was spread evenly. However, the contribution of individual stimuli in each form to total error score was spread widely. Earlier findings as to differential frequency of the various error categories were confirmed for each form. Concentrations of certain errors in particular figures are discussed and tentative interpretations of these observations are advanced. In conclusion, certain changes are proposed so as to equate the three forms qualitatively and to increase the discriminative power of the instrument.