Reference Data for the Word Memory Test

Abstract

Many studies have evaluated the utility of the Word Memory Test (WMT) as a symptom validity test. However, there is a lack of reference data for the WMT conventional memory subtests. The present study examined the demographic characteristics that influence performance on these subtests, in order to develop demographically corrected reference data. For this purpose, we administered the Dutch version of the WMT to 115 healthy Dutch controls, aged 20-80 years. Furthermore, we demonstrated the equivalence of the English and Dutch language versions of the WMT. Stepwise linear regression analyses of the combined Canadian and Dutch samples (N = 155) showed that the memory scores declined with increasing age. Participants with lower levels of education performed worse than more highly educated subjects. Reference data stratified by age and level of education are presented for use in research and clinical settings.