An evaluation of the postulates underlying the Babcock deterioration test.

Vocabulary knowledge and usage among normal and schizophrenic subjects.

“…This test provides a measure of the subject's ability to verbalize what he means by the familiar words listed. According to Yacorzynski (15) the "concrete" thinking of schizophrenics should be reflected in definitions of a lower conceptual level than definitions given by the control subjects. Goldstein and White assert that when a schizophrenic uses an abstract word he means by it something concrete; he has lost the "abstract attitude."…”

A suggested method for analyzing and extending the use of Bellevue-Wechsler vocabulary responses.

“…This represents the abstract method of definition. A concept involves an "abstract" attitude [9] on the part of the subject. Goldstein's research on performance tests has indicated the inability of persons suffering from certain brain lesions to assume this attitude.…”

“…However, some authors have questioned the rigid stability of vocabulary responses. Yacorzynski [9] points out, in his criticism of the Babcock test [4] which was based upon the vocabulary in the old Stanford-Binet form, that "it becomes clear now why the vocabulary does not deteriorate in proportion to the other behavior measured by the Babcock test. The deterioration makes use of only the end results in the definition of words, and therefore, superficially, it appears as if the vocabulary remains unaffected by general deterioration."…”

Chapter IV: Intellectual Changes during Maturity and Old Age

“…Additional evidence is to be found in Gilbert's work with the Babcock-Levy tests (45,47). Yacorzynski (103) indicated, however, that the theory is not sound, even though, operationally, the test discriminates levels of mental functioning. He pointed out that the crudity in scoring the vocabulary test is the primary reason for the apparent stability of vocabulary.…”