Normative Data and Construct Validation for a Novel Nonverbal Memory Test

The present study describes the normative data and construct validity of the Poreh Spatial Memory Test (PSMT). 96 male and 75 female participants were between the age of 18 to 85 years were administered the PNMT. A subsample was administered the Rey Complex Figure (RCFT; Rey 1941) and another the Bieber Figure Learning Test - Extended ( BFLT-E ; Glosser, Cole, Khatri, DellaPietra, & Kaplan, 2002; Glosser, Goodglass, & Biber, 1989). The present study shows that the mean scores for the learning trials within each group exhibited robust inverse logarithmic learning curve. Accordingly, three indices were derived: learning, learning curve, and delayed retention. As one might expect from a "pure" visual spatial memory test, age, but not gender or education, correlates with the PSMT learning and delayed recall. Additional analysis showed that the PSMT correlated significantly with the RCFT, the BFLT-E, but not with the AVLT supporting the construct validity of the new measure. The norms that were derived from our sample is presented according to seven age groups (18-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and 71-85) allowing for the transformation of individual scores or measurements directly into standardized z-scores. Additional studies using various clinical samples including patients with lateralized brain injuries are underway to further establish the diagnostic value of this new measure.