Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

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

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Beery, K.E. and Buktenica, N.A. : Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration. Chicago : Follett Educ. Corp., 7967.

Dennis, R. and Dennis, M. : The Dennis Visual Perception Scale. Los Angeles : Western Psychological Services, 1969.

Hammill, D. and Larsen, S. : The effectiveness of psycholinguistic training. Exceptional Child., 1974, 41, 5-16.

Kirk, S.A. and Kirk, W.D. : The uses and abuses of the ITPA. Address to the American Speech and Hearing Association, November, 1975 .

Larsen, S.C. , Rogers, D. , and Sowell, V. : The use of selected perceptual tests in differentiating between normal and learning disabled children. J. Learning Disabil., 1976, 9, 85-90.

Minskoff, E.H. : Research on psycholinguistic training: critique and guidelines. Exceptional Child., 1975, 42, 136-144.

Newcomer, P. , Hare, B. , Hammill, D. , and McGettigan, J. : Construct validity of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities . J. Learning Disabil., 1975, 8, 220-237.

Newcomer, P. , Larsen, S. , and Hammill, D. : A response. Exceptional Child., 1975 , 42, 144-148.

Bruininks, R. : Auditory and visual perceptual skills related to reading performance of disadvantaged boys. Percep. Motor Skills, 7968, 29, 177-186.

10.

Getman, G. and Hendrickson, H.H. : The needs of teachers for specialized information on the development of visuomotor skills in relation to academic performance . In W.M. Cruickshank (Ed.): The Teacher of Brain-Injured Children. Syracuse: Syracuse Univ. Press, 7966.

11.

Groffman, S. : Optometric utilization of objective, standardized, perceptual tests . Amer. J. Optom., 1971, 48, 825-833.

12.

Hammill, D.D. and Larsen, S.C. : The relationship of selected auditory perceptual skills to reading ability . J. Learning Disabil., 1974, 7, 429-436.

13.

Hartlage, L.C. and Lucas, D.G. : Predicting reading ability in grade one. Percep. Motor Skills , 7972, 34, 447-450.

14.

Kimmell, G. and Wahl, J. : The STAP (Screening Test for Auditory Perception). San Rafael, Calif.: Academic Therapy Publ., 1969.

15.

Koppitz, E.M. : Children with Leurning Disabilities: A 5-Yeur Follow-Up Study. N.Y.: Grune & Stratton, 1971 .

16.

Larsen, S.C. and Hammill, D.D. : The relationship of selected visual perceptual abilities to school learning . J. Spec. Educ., 1975, 9, 287-297.

17.

Lerner, J.W. : Children with Learning Disabilities. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, 7976.

18.

Mecham, M. , Berko, M. , Berko, F.G. , and Palmer, M.F. : Communication Training in Childhood Brain Damage. Springfield, III.: Charles C Thomas, 7966.

19.

McNinch, G. and Richmond, M. : Auditory perceptual tasks as predictors of first grade success. Percep. Motor Skills, 1972, 35, 7-13.

20.

Minskoff, E.H. : Research on psycholinguistic training: Critique and guidelines. Exceptional Child., 1975, 42, 136-144.

21.

Myers, P. and Hammill, D.D. : Methods for Learning Disorders. New York: John Wiley, 7976.

22.

Newcomer, P. , Larsen, S.C. , and Hammill, D.D. : A response. Exceptional Child., 1975 , 42, 144-148.

23.

Sabatino, D.A. : Auditory and visual perceptual behavior function of neurologically impaired children. Percep. Motor Skills, 7968, 29, 35-40.

24.

Sterritt, G.M. , Martin, V.E. , and Rudnick, M. : Sequential pattern perception and reading. In G.D. Spache (Ed.): Reading Disability and Perception. Newurk, Del.: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual Convention of the International Reading Association, Vol. 73, Part 3, 1968-69.

25.

Wallace, G. and McLoughlin, J.A. : Learning Disabilities: Concepts and Characteristics . Columbus, O.: Charles E. Merrill , 1975.

26.

Weiner, P. , Wepman, J. , and Morency, A.S. : A test of visual perception. Elementary School J. , 1965, 20, 330-337.

27.

Wepman, J. , et al.: Studies in aphasia: Background and theoretical formulations . J. Speech Heuring Dis., 1960, 25, 323-332.

The Validity of Perceptual Tests: The Debate Continues

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References