Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT): A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
The Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) is a widely used neuropsychological tool to assess visual memory and visual perception. The BVRT provides an accurate and reliable measure of visual memory and processing in individuals with cognitive impairment. This review provides an overview of the BVRT, including its history, administration, scoring, and interpretation. The review includes a discussion of the psychometric properties of the BVRT, its clinical utility, and special considerations for its use.
Keywords: Visual Memory, Visual Perception, Neuropsychology, Benton Visual Retention Test
Introduction
The Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) is a widely used neuropsychological instrument designed to assess visual memory and visual perception. The BVRT is a standardized measure of visual memory and processing that has been used in clinical and research settings for more than 50 years (Benton, 1974). It is commonly used in the evaluation of individuals with cognitive impairment, including dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions. The BVRT is a reliable and valid measure of visual memory and processing, and it can provide useful information about an individual’s cognitive functioning.
History
The BVRT was developed by Arthur Benton in 1954 (Benton, 1974). The BVRT was designed to assess visual memory and processing, which can be impaired in individuals with neurological conditions, such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. The test has been revised several times since its original development, and the current version (BVRT-5) was released in 1995 (Benton, 1995).
Administration
The BVRT is a paper-and-pencil test that can be administered in about 30 minutes. The test consists of 10 designs that are presented to the examinee, who is asked to recall the design after a brief delay. The designs vary in complexity, and the examinee is asked to recall the design in either its exact form or in a modified form. The BVRT can be used in both the clinical and research settings.
Scoring
The BVRT is scored on a scale of 0 to 10, with a higher score indicating better performance. The raw score is converted to a standard score, which is then used to interpret the examinee’s performance. The standard score is based on the examinee’s age and gender, and it can be compared to normative data to determine the examinee’s performance relative to other individuals of the same age and gender.
Interpretation
The BVRT can be used to evaluate an individual’s visual memory and processing. A low score on the BVRT may indicate an impairment in visual memory or processing, which can be caused by a variety of neurological conditions, such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, or stroke. A high score on the BVRT indicates intact visual memory and processing, which can be indicative of normal cognitive functioning.
Psychometric Properties
The BVRT has demonstrated good reliability and validity. Studies have shown that the BVRT has good test-retest reliability, with a correlation coefficient of 0.89 (Benton, 1995). The BVRT also has good convergent validity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.77 with the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) (Benton, 1987).
Clinical Utility
The BVRT is a useful tool for assessing visual memory and processing in individuals with cognitive impairment. The BVRT can be used to identify individuals who may be at risk for developing cognitive deficits, and can also be used to monitor the progress of individuals who have experienced a cognitive decline. The BVRT can also be used to differentiate between organic and psychogenic causes of cognitive impairment.
Special Considerations
While the BVRT is a reliable and valid measure of visual memory and processing, there are some limitations to its use. The BVRT may not be appropriate for individuals with limited formal education or with visual impairments, as it may be difficult for these individuals to understand or accurately recall the designs. Additionally, the BVRT may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle deficits in visual memory and processing in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
The BVRT is a reliable and valid measure of visual memory and processing. The BVRT has been used in clinical and research settings for more than 50 years, and it can provide useful information about an individual’s cognitive functioning. It is important to consider the limitations of the BVRT when interpreting the results, as it may not be appropriate for all individuals or may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle deficits in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
References
Benton, A. L. (1974). The Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT). Journal of Clinical Neuropsychology, 6(3), 257-263.
Benton, A. L. (1987). The Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT). In J.E. Morgan & J.H. Ricker (Eds.), Clinical Neuropsychology: A Multidisciplinary Approach (pp. 87-93). New York, NY: Plenum Press.
Benton, A. L. (1995). The Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT). San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.