California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT)
The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment that evaluates verbal learning and memory. It helps clinicians understand how a person learns, recalls, and recognizes verbal information over time.
What It Measures:
- Immediate recall (short-term memory)
- Learning strategies (e.g., semantic clustering)
- Delayed recall (long-term memory)
- Recognition memory
- Forgetting patterns
- Intrusions and false memories
How the Test Works:
- List A: The examiner reads a list of 16 words (from 4 semantic categories, like fruits or tools) aloud 5 times.
- After each reading, the person repeats as many words as they can recall (free recall).
- List B: A second list (interference list) is read once, and the person recalls it.
- Short-Delay Free Recall: Immediately after List B, the person is asked to recall List A again.
- Short-Delay Cued Recall: They’re cued by category (e.g., “Tell me all the fruits you remember”).
- Long-Delay Free and Cued Recall: After a ~20 minute break, they’re asked again to recall List A.
- Recognition Trial: They’re read a list of 44 words and asked to identify which ones were from List A.
What It’s Used For:
- Diagnosing memory disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment)
- Differentiating between neurological and psychiatric conditions
- Assessing ADHD, learning disabilities, or traumatic brain injury
- Identifying strategies and errors (e.g., perseverations, intrusions)
Versions:
-
- CVLT-II: The most common version.
- CVLT-C: For children.
- CVLT-3: Latest version, with updated norms and improved sensitivity.
Types of Evaluations These Tests Support
- ADHD Evaluations
- Autism Spectrum Evaluations
- Learning Disability (LD) Testing
- Neuropsychological/Brain Injury Assessments
- Mental Health/Emotional Functioning
