Validity of the Motor-Free Visual Perceptual Test—Revised (MVPT-R): An Item Response Analysis

Abstract

Background: Visual perceptual skills of children are often evaluated. The Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-Revised (MVPT-R) is one of the most frequently used tests with school-age children even though its construct validity has not been thoroughly evaluated. Aim/Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the scalability/interval level measurement, unidimensionality, lack of differential item functioning (DIF), and hierarchical ordering of items of the MVPT-R. Method: The visual perceptual performance scores from a sample of 356 normally developing children (171 boys and 185 girls) ranging in age from 5 to 11 years were used to complete a Rasch Measurement Model (RMM) analysis of the MVPT-R. Results: When the MVPT-R was analyzed using the RMM, it exhibited adequate measurement properties (scalability/interval level measurement, unidimensionality, lack of DIF, and hierarchical ordering). However, many MVPT-R scale items exhibited RMM misfit or DIF. Conclusion: The construct validity, scalability, hierarchical ordering, and lack of DIF requirements were met by the final version of the of the MVPT-R scale. However, given the fact that a number of items exhibited RMM misfit or DIF, clinicians need to take this into consideration when using the MVPT-R in its current form.