Explicit and objective scoring criteria for the taylor complex figure test

Abstract

The Rey and Taylor figures are two constructional and visual memory tests used interchangeably. The purpose of this study was to develop a scoring system for the Taylor figure based on the explicit guidelines established by Meyers and Meyers (1995) for the Rey figure. Younger (n = 97; mean age = 21 years) and older (n = 61; mean age = 72 years) participants' performance on the Taylor figure was scored according to the proposed scoring system and the original scoring system devised by Taylor (1989). Both scoring systems yielded comparable scores on the Taylor figure as well as comparable patterns of validity and good interrater reliabilities (0.85-0.98). Although the present system does not further improve scoring reliability, it renders both tests similar in methodology and simplifies training to evaluate the two figures. The present study also reveals the limitations of the use of the Taylor and the Rey in test-retest situations but suggests that administering the Taylor first would improve the comparability of the two figures in a test-retest situation.