BRBN-T validation: Adaptation of the Selective Reminding Test and Word List Generation

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to present the Selective Reminding Test (SRT) and Word List Generation (WLG) adaptation to the Portuguese population, within the validation of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRBN-T) for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Method: 66 healthy participants (54.5% female) recruited from the community volunteered to participate in this study. Results: A combination of procedures from Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (ITR) were applied to item analysis and selection. For each SRT list, 12 words were selected and 3 letters were chosen for WLG to constitute the final versions of these tests for the Portuguese population. Conclusion: The combination of CTT and ITR maximized the decision making process in the adaptation of the SRT and WLG to a different culture and language (Portuguese). The relevance of this study lies on the production of reliable standardized neuropsychological tests, so that they can be used to facilitate a more rigorous monitoring of the evolution of MS, as well as any therapeutic effects and cognitive rehabilitation.