The PPVT-R: validity as a quick screen of intelligence in a postacute rehabilitation setting for brain-injured adults

J Clin Psychol. 1998 Nov;54(7):877-84. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4679(199811)54:7<877::aid-jclp2>3.0.co;2-c.

Abstract

The utility of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) as a surrogate for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test-Revised (WAIS-R) was investigated in 61 brain-injured adult participants in a postacute rehabilitation setting. Idiographic comparison revealed substantial disagreement in clinical classification between the two instruments, and it is concluded that the PPVT-R is not a good surrogate for the WAIS-R for this purpose. In contrast, the PPVT-R was judged an adequate surrogate for the WAIS-R for the purpose of group comparison, as is common in biomedical research. Finally, contrary to prior report, the PPVT-R was demonstrated to measure more than simply Vocabulary. As such, in the absence of independent validation research, perhaps the most parsimonious conclusion regarding what the PPVT-R is measuring is that like each of the various subtests of the WAIS-R, the PPVT-R shares some of the variance of the construct termed intelligence, as well as demonstrates some unique variance that is likely comprised of error and, perhaps, a unique or different facet of intelligence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Brain Injuries / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence Tests*
  • Intelligence*
  • Male
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index