The California Verbal Learning Test-1 (CVLT-1) is an extensively used neuropsychological test designed to measure verbal learning and memory in adults. Developed by Delis, Kramer, Kaplan, and Ober (1987), this computerized test consists of five learning trials in which participants are asked to recall a 16-word list of semantically related nouns. The CVLT-1 evaluates a range of cognitive processes including learning, delayed recall, and recognition memory.
The CVLT-1 is a reliable and valid measure of verbal learning and memory for adults. Studies show that scores on the CVLT-1 are highly correlated with scores obtained on other measures of verbal learning and memory, such as the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) (Delis, Kramer, Kaplan, & Ober, 1987; Daly, Salmon, & Butters, 1995). Additionally, the CVLT-1 has been found to be a valid measure of brain functioning in clinical populations, such as those with Alzheimer’s disease (Bondi et al., 2006) and traumatic brain injury (MacDonald et al., 2001).
Overall, the CVLT-1 is a widely used neuropsychological test that has been validated in both healthy and clinical populations. It is a reliable tool for assessing verbal learning and memory in adults, and is a useful adjunct to other measures of cognitive functioning.
References
Bondi, M. W., Edmonds, E. C., Clark, L. R., Salmon, D. P., Salmon, D. P., Butters, N., et al. (2006). Neuropsychological deficits in mild cognitive impairment compared to normal aging and AD. Neurology, 67(4), 644-651.
Daly, J. J., Salmon, D. P., & Butters, N. (1995). Long-term free recall of research participants: The effects of age and education on the California Verbal Learning Test. Psychology and Aging, 10(2), 327-335.
Delis, D. C., Kramer, J. H., Kaplan, E., & Ober, B. A. (1987). California Verbal Learning Test. San Antonio, TX: Psychological Corporation.
MacDonald, S. W., Manly, T., & Rivers, A. (2001). Neuropsychological outcome following mild traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 23(4), 548-558.