Orientation Errors in the Memory-for-Designs Test: Tentative Findings and Recommendations

Abstract

A study of (a) the extent to which each of 13 MFD designs triggered production of each of four types of orientation error, and of (b) the contribution of each type to the test's diagnostic effectiveness was made. The records of 137 (among 279) adult brain-damaged and 68 (among 375) control Ss who made some type of OE revealed variations in both areas of study which are reflected in proposed optional changes in scoring standards. Horizontal and 90° rotations differentiated best between presence and absence of brain pathology, vertical reversals hardly at all, and 45° rotations held a middle position. Higher brain damage to control ratios were found for younger, better educated Ss than for those older or with fewer years of schooling. Reliability of the occurrence of OEs is reported, and their relationship to sex, age, education, and intelligence is measured.

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