Reliability Underreported in Verbal Memory Tests for Spanish-Speaking Populations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Memory constitutes one of the most frequently assessed domains in neuropsychology. The most used tests to assess verbal memory are the California Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC in Spanish), the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). The aim of this meta-analysis was to statistically integrate the reliability estimates of these three tests. To this end, we conducted a Systematic Review following the PRISMA checklist. We included empirical studies that reported reliability when using TAVEC (or its children's version), the AVLT or the WMS in Spanish-speaking population and were subjected to a peer-review process. A total of 2774 records were identified, of which 463 were assessed for eligibility. Only 11 reported reliability and were included in the review, and only 7 in the meta-analysis. The most evident finding was the high rate of reliability induction found, with 93.9% of studies inducing it by omission or by report. Only 6.1% of the studies reviewed in full text calculated and reported the reliability with their own samples. Moreover, the analyzed tests showed generally adequate reliability coefficients (ranging from .77 to .86), but their generalizability to other studies was limited due to lower reliability indices reported elsewhere. In sum, the high rate of reliability induction in the literature underscores the need for greater attention to psychometric properties in neuropsychological research.