[Application of the multiple vocabulary test to determining premorbid intelligence levels]

The authors present three basic approaches to solving the problem of determining the premorbid level of intelligence for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The indirect way of measuring the premorbid level of intelligence was chosen because of the empirical nature of this approach and the possibility of establishing a firm basis for this. Using a number of samples, it has been possible to show that the multiple vocabulary test satisfies all requirements that must be made of a method of measuring the premorbid level of intelligence. They are above all independence of aging and disease processes as well as a high level of internal validity. Results to date indicate that the multiple vocabulary test is a useful method of rapidly and reliably determining the general level of intelligence. Its special importance lies in the fact that it allows the premorbid level of intelligence to be ascertained, thus contributing to an empirical elucidation of problems associated with decreases in proficiency and general mental deterioration due to organic or psychological factors.