Long-term test-retest reliability of the California Verbal Learning Test – second edition

Abstract

Objective: Aging is often associated with declines in episodic memory. Reliable tracking of memory requires assessment instruments that are stable over time to better understand changes potentially attributable to neurodegenerative disease. While prior studies support the test–retest reliability of memory instruments over brief intervals, follow-up testing in clinical settings typically occurs at least one-year later. The present study evaluated the long-term test–retest reliability of the California Verbal Learning Test – second edition (CVLT-2), a widely used measure of episodic learning and memory. Method: One hundred and fifty seven healthy older adults (mean age = 68.47 years; education = 17.28 years) underwent repeat assessment at an average of 1.30 years apart. Participants underwent repeat assessment using either parallel or alternate forms at follow-up. We utilized a standardized regression-based (SRB) approach to determine statistically significant changes in test scores over time. Results: This study revealed modest 1-year test–retest correlation coefficients for the primary CVLT-2 measures (range = .57–.69) Results of SRB formulae are provided to assist clinicians with defining clinically relevant cognitive change on the CVLT-2 while controlling for confounding factors. Conclusions: Findings from this study support repeat test administration of the CVLT-2 over longer periods, and may enhance its applicability in determining longitudinal change in memory performance.

Keywords:

• Episodic memory
• verbal learning
• test–retest reliability
• aging