Visual-Spatial Memory and Recall Test (V-SMART): validity and reliability.

OBJECTIVE: Nonverbal memory decline is a concern associated with aging. Visuospatial memory tests often do not distinguish between learning, recall, or retrieval, yet such distinctions may help clarify the nature of memory difficulties. Further, many visuospatial tests rely on abilities not directly related to memory (e.g. graphomotor skill). The present study examined the feasibility and initial psychometric evidence of the Visual-Spatial Memory and Recall Test (V-SMART).

METHOD: Ninety-nine adults (71% women) were recruited from two sources: undergraduate students (n = 37) and healthy older adults (n = 62). Volunteers completed a brief battery of cognitive tests.

RESULTS: Internal consistency and interrater reliability were strong. Principal Components Analysis supported the hypothesized learning and recall structure, and correlations with other memory tests supported external validity of the V-SMART as a visuospatial learning measure. Correlations with recall scores were less compelling yet likely reflected the intact recall among this generally healthy sample.

CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings support the V-SMART as a visuospatial memory test. Evidence for validity was acceptable for learning indices; further examination of recall measures is needed.