Contribution of the TPT to adult neuropsychological assessment: A review

Abstract

The Tactual Performance Test (TPT) is reviewed because of its widespread use in neuropsychology. The review indicates that: (1) each of the three TPT scores (Time, Memory, Location), while having considerable overlap in what is measured, contributes something unique; (2) test-retest reliability is adequate, although TPT Memory and Location are generally less reliable than TPT Time; (3) TPT Time has proven to be a sensitive and valid measure of dysfunction in heterogeneous populations of brain-damaged subjects; (4) subject variables of importance to TPT performance are age, IQ, sex, and, to a much less extent, education; (5) there are indications that TPT Time is somewhat more sensitive to right-hemisphere dysfunction, at least in acutely brain-damaged subjects; (6) in more chronic cases, the TPT may be more sensitive to extent of damage than locus of lesion; (7) in obtaining lateralizing information, TPT Time scores for each hand are most helpful; and, (8) additional information may be obtained through examining individual trial scores, pattern across three trials, and observing the subject's strategy in completing the task. Modifications and implications for rehabilitation are discussed.

Corpus Callosum Volume and Neurocognition in Autism

“…2007). In addition, the tactile finger recognition test and the TPT, measures of sensory-motor processing (Quinn & Geffen, 1986) and tactile form perception and spatial learning and memory (Thompson & Parsons, 1985) respectively, were chosen as both tests have been used previously to assess interhemispheric communication in individuals with CC lesions (Nyden, Carlsson, Carlsson, & Gillberg, 2004; Brown, 2003). …”

Complex Assessment of Combat Neurotrauma

“…Thus the key finding of this study is of a qualitative / process nature. Thompson & Parsons (1985) urged that "the emphasis on quantitative results need not diminish the use of qualitative aspects as well. " Indeed, the findings of this combat traumatized sample suggest a strong trend of waning and/or temporary derailing in the test taking process [8].…”

“…Thompson & Parsons (1985) urged that "the emphasis on quantitative results need not diminish the use of qualitative aspects as well. " Indeed, the findings of this combat traumatized sample suggest a strong trend of waning and/or temporary derailing in the test taking process [8]. Thus the pattern for the sample was to diminish rather than accelerate in the second half of a trial, regardless of the trial.…”

“…Normals show an approximate 30% improvement across the first two trials of the TPT, but with deviation of this tendency not uncommon in older subjects [6,7]. In a classic comprehensive review, it was concluded that the TPT appears to be as valid an indicator of brain impairment as any other single neuropsychological test, and furthermore that: 1) this is moreso for the timed scores than for Memory or Location; 2) with Location more sensitive than Memory; 3) while indeed detecting brain damage per se, it may be most discriminative for posterior and/or right hemisphere damage; 4) reliability of the TPT measures are adequate; 5) the emphasis on quantitative scores need not diminish qualitative aspects [8]. Reliability co-efficients were provided in a study drawing from large samples of normal subjects and neurologic patients.…”

Tactual Performance Test Trials: Internal Consistency Reliability Using the Gilmer-Feldt Coefficient

“…The Tactual Performance Test, part of the Halstead-Reitan Battery, is a vahd measure of tactile and incidental memory (Thompson & Parsons, 1985). This test consists of an upright board with 10 spaces, and the blindfolded subject must place each of the 10 blocks in their correct spaces.…”