Using Logical Memory in Australia

Abstract

Australian neuropsychologists, who use tests developed in North America such as Wechsler's Memory Scales, have expressed some concerns about the relevance of test materials for Australian clients. In Australia, concern about the American content of Logical Memory prompted Ivison to recommend modifications to adapt this test for local conditions. Consequently, when Australian psychologists administer Logical Memory they may be using Wechsler's stories, the stories Ivison adapted for Australian conditions, or stories modified on an individual basis, as was reputedly common practice in the past. We conducted a nationwide survey of members of the Australian Psychological Society, College of Clinical Neuropsychologists, to assess which stories neuropsychologists use and whether they modify the standard instructions for Logical Memory. Recommendations for psychologists who use modified versions of Logical Memory in clinical practice are discussed and may also be useful for those who use modified versions of other standardised tests.