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Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised (HVLT-R
Availability
Copyright belongs to PAR, Inc. For additional information and to order test materials, visit: Hopkins Verbal Language Test Revised Link
Classification
NeuroRehab Supplemental - Highly Recommended
Recommendations for Use: Indicated for studies requiring a measure for memory.
 
Supplemental - Highly Recommended: Epilepsy, Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) (Adults)
 
Supplemental: Huntington's Disease (HD), and Stroke
Short Description of Instrument
Purpose: The HVLT-R offers a brief assessment of verbal learning and memory (delayed recall and recognition) for individuals aged 16 years and older.
 
Overview: The HVLT-R requires recall of a series of 12 words over three learning trials, free recall after a delay, and a recognition trial.
 
Time: The assessment takes approximately 5-10 minutes with a 25-minute delay to complete and 2 minutes to score.
 
Epilepsy Specific: While the HVLT-R is classified as a level C test, we suggest following the precedent of MATRICS, the NIMH multicenter initiative that uses the HVLT-R to assess memory. For this CDE we suggest that there be a neuropsychologist at one of the participating centers of a clinical trial/multicenter investigation who will serve as the consultant to entire group for training, quality control, and interpretation of results. The individual research centers do not need to have a designated psychologist or neuropsychologist for data acquisition phase of the project.
Comments/Special Instructions
Verbal list learning is a robust method for learning and memory in neurological conditions. The HVLT-R is an easily administered 12-item 3 learning trial verbal learning test with delayed recall and recognition memory testing. Advantages of the HVLT include a large normative base and several alternative forms. The test and also be purchased commercially.
Scoring and Psychometric Properties
Scoring: Raw scores are derived for Total Recall, Delayed Recall, Retention (% retained), and a Recognition Discrimination Index
 
Psychometric Properties: The HVLT-R correlated most strongly with other tests of verbal memory and relatively weakly with a test of general intelligence. The construct validity of the HVLT-R has been shown relative to other standard list learning tasks, and it is sensitive to dementia. The HVLT-R has generally modest-to-low one-year test-retest stability for several key HVLT-R component process variables
Scoring and Psychometric Properties
Scoring: Raw scores are derived for Total Recall, Delayed Recall, Retention (% retained), and a Recognition Discrimination Index.
 
Psychometric Properties: The HVLT-R correlated most strongly with other tests of verbal memory and relatively weakly with a test of general intelligence. The construct validity of the HVLT-R has been shown relative to other standard list learning tasks, and it is sensitive to dementia. The HVLT-R has generally modest-to-low one-year test-retest stability for several key HVLT-R component process variables.
Rationale/Justification
Strengths: Multiple alternate versions allow for serial retesting. There is available literature in mild TBI and sports concussion. The HVLT-R can be administered in multiple languages.
 
Weaknesses: Because the HVLT-R is briefer than other verbal list-learning measures, it may lack the statistical range to detect milder or more subtle memory impairment. It does not have an interference trial, thus limiting its capacity to examine proactive or retroactive interference effects.
References
Brandt J. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test: development of a new verbal memory test with six equivalent forms. Clinical Neuropsychologist. 1991;5(2):125-142.
 
Brandt J & Benedict R. (2001). Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised: Professional Manual. PAR: Florida.
 
Hogervorst E, Combrinck M, Lapuerta P, Rue J, Swales K, Budge M. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test and screening for dementia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2002;13(1):13-20.
 
Lacritz LH & Cullum CM (1998). The HVLT and CVLT: A preliminary compassion. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 1998;13:623-628.
 
Norman MA, Moore DJ, Taylor M, Franklin D Jr, Cysique L, Ake C, Lazarretto D, Vaida F, Heaton RK; HNRC Group. Demographically corrected norms for African Americans and Caucasians on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, Stroop Color and Word Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test 64-Card Version. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2011 Aug;33(7):793-804.
 
Shapiro AM, Benedict RH, Schretlen D, Brandt J. Construct and concurrent validity of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-revised. Clin Neuropsychol. 1999;13(3):348-358.
 
Strauss E, Sherman EMS, Spreen O. A Compendium of Neuropsychological Tests: Administration, Norms, and Commentary, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2006, pp. 760-769.
 
Woods SP, Scott JC, Conover E, Marcotte TD, Heaton RK, Grant I; HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center Group. Test-retest reliability of component process variables within the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised. Assessment. 2005;12(1):96-100.
 
Document last updated January 2022