Observations on the Object Learning Test of the Kendrick Battery for the Detection of Dementia

This paper examines some shortcomings in the design and validation of the Object Learning Test of the Kendrick Battery. Certain issues which are important to ensure standardized administration of the test have not been considered, and the scoring procedures penalize some correct responses. Line drawings on the cards are occasionally ambiguous, and some of the repeat drawings are reproduced with unnecessary alterations. The parallel forms of the test are not matched for word frequency of the names of the objects. Questions are raised concerning the cut-off point for ascribing dementia and the statements of confidence in test diagnosis.