A confirmatory factor analysis of the California Verbal Learning Test--Second Edition (CVLT-II) in the standardization sample

Assessment. 2008 Jun;15(2):123-31. doi: 10.1177/1073191107310926. Epub 2008 Jan 9.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the latent structure of the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II; Delis, Kramer, Kaplan, & Ober, 2000) at three different age levels, using the standardization sample. Maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analyses are performed to test four competing hypothetical models for fit and parsimony. A four-factor model consisting of Attention Span, Learning Efficiency, Delayed Memory, and Inaccurate Memory provides the best fit to the data at two age levels (16-30 years and 31-60 years, respectively) but the factor structure is somewhat less robust in the oldest age group (>60 years). The results clarify the latent structure of the CVLT-II and suggest that a multifactorial interpretation of quantitative and qualitative indexes from this instrument is appropriate for clinical practice with most adults, although findings may need to be interpreted more cautiously among older persons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Attention / physiology
  • California
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Likelihood Functions
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology
  • Mental Recall / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Statistical
  • Psychometrics
  • Qualitative Research
  • Verbal Learning / physiology*