The Validity of Perceptual Tests: The Debate Continues

Abstract

In the February 1976 issue of the Journal of Learning Disabilities Stephen C. Larsen, Dorothy Rogers, and Virginia Sowell in their article, "The Use of Selected Perceptual Tests in Differentiating Between Normal and Learning Disabled Children," presented data which seriously question the educational usefulness of some commonly used "perceptual" tests. More specifically, it was reported that the Wepman Auditory Discrimination Test and the Auditory Sequential Memory, Visual Sequential Memory, and Sound Blending subtests of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Ability were not successful in differentiating between samples of normal and learning disabled subjects. The authors concluded that, based upon their study, the continued use of these tests for diagnosis and remediation should be carefully considered.

James J. McCarthy, a coauthor of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Ability, questions the results of this study by raising several issues regarding Larsen, et al. 's research procedures and the tests they employed to measure components of "perceptual" ability. Larsen has been asked to respond to McCarthy's points to aid the reader in gaining a more meaningful insight into this very controversial area. The Journal of Learning Disabilities welcomes scholarly exchange among professional members in an effort to answer the question: Do "perceptual" tests provide information that will be useful in the school or clinic? - PL

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