The logical memory test of the Wechsler Memory Scale is one of the most
frequently used standardized tests for assessing verbal memory and consists of
two separate short stories each containing 25 idea units. Problems with practice
effects arise with re-testing a patient, as these stories may be remembered from
previous assessments. Therefore, alternative versions of the test stimuli should
be developed to minimize learning effects when repeated testing is required for
longitudinal evaluations of patients.ObjectiveTo present three alternative stories for each of the original stories
frequently used in Brazil (Ana Soares and Roberto Mota) and to show their
similarity in terms of content, structure and linguistic
characteristics.MethodsThe alternative stories were developed according to the following criteria:
overall structure or thematic content (presentation of the character,
conflict, aggravation or complements and resolution); specific structure
(sex of the character, location and occupation, details of what happened);
formal structure (number of words, characters, verbs and nouns); and
readability.ResultsThe alternative stories and scoring criteria are presented in comparison to
the original WMS stories (Brazilian version).ConclusionThe alternative stories presented here correspond well thematically and
structurally to the Brazilian versions of the original stories.