Psychometrics of a simple method for scoring organizational approach on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure

The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) is a commonly used neuropsychological measure that assesses visuospatial processing, planning and visuomotor integration. Using samples of clinically referred (N = 20) and non-clinical (N = 44) adults, the present study examines the psychometric properties of a simple method of scoring organizational approach to the ROCF. Developed by Savage et al. (1999) and refined by Deckersbach et al. (2000), this simple 5-point organizational scoring system allows for the quick and accurate assessment of organizational quality. Results suggest that this system is internally consistent and can be scored reliably. Correlations with measures of visuomotor integration and accuracy of rendition after a delay provide evidence of convergent validity. Organization scores were independent of both Verbal and Performance IQ estimates. However, discriminant validity analyses found that high-functioning patients referred for a neuropsychological assessment did not score significantly different from a non-clinical sample, raising questions about the diagnostic utility of this measure with less impaired populations. Implications for clinical practice are discussed, as are directions for future research.