The California Verbal Learning Test-III (CVLT-III): Adaptation, validation, and initial norms in the Hebrew-speaking...

Area of Science:

• Neuropsychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• Verbal memory assessment is crucial in neuropsychology.
• The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) is a widely used tool for evaluating verbal memory and learning strategies.
• A Hebrew adaptation of the CVLT (CVLT-III_Hebrew) was needed for the Israeli population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To translate and adapt the California Verbal Learning Test, third edition (CVLT-III), into Hebrew (CVLT-III_Hebrew).
• To establish normative data for the CVLT-III_Hebrew in a sample of healthy Hebrew-speaking adults in Israel.
• To investigate the influence of sociodemographic variables on CVLT-III_Hebrew performance.

Main Methods:

• The CVLT-III was translated and adapted to Hebrew.
• Normative data were collected from 235 healthy Hebrew-speaking adults aged 20-65 in Israel.
• Regression models were used to assess the impact of age, education, and sex on core scores.

Main Results:

• CVLT-III_Hebrew core scores were significantly influenced by age and education level, and to a lesser extent, by sex.
• Internal reliability of the CVLT-III_Hebrew was found to be very high.
• An adjustment calculator is available for clinicians to modify scores based on sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions:

• The adapted CVLT-III_Hebrew is a valuable instrument for assessing verbal memory in Hebrew speakers.
• Caution is advised when interpreting scores for individuals with lower education levels due to the sample's relatively high education.
• Future research should expand the normative sample to include diverse educational backgrounds, age ranges, and Israeli minority groups.