Normative data for the two equivalent forms of the Arabic verbal fluency test

ABSTRACT

Performance on verbal fluency [VF] test is sensitive to lesions of the frontal lobes. We earlier developed two equivalent forms of formal VF in the Arabic language for use with healthy Saudi individuals. In 2000, we decided to improve our work by providing normative data for the VF test, and completed the work in the Riyadh Military Hospital in 2003. During this time, we managed to provide normative data for both Arabic versions of the VF test. Version 1 consists of the letters taa, raa waaw, and version 2 consists of the letters qaaf, daal, siin. A sample of 198 healthy adult Saudi individuals, aged 18 to 65 years, participated in this study. Subjects were classified into three age groups [18-30, 31-50, 51-65] and all performed the two versions of the Arabic VF test. Performance of the participants on the two versions of the VF test was correlated with age [r=-0.199], education [r= 0.729] and socioeconomic class [r= -0.691]. Performance on both versions is highly correlated [r= 0.891] with no significant difference between the number of words produced on the two versions. Normative data for participants are provided; and covariation method was used for education. The availability of this normative data will help the neuropsychologist in clinical assessment and in carrying out research on frontal lobe function