The standardization data for the California Verbal
Learning Test–Children's Version (CVLT–C)
were used to evaluate statistically significant discrepancies
between key quantitative variables of this instrument,
as well as the base rate of specific discrepancies. The
results indicated that apparently large discrepancies between
the respective standard scores were actually fairly common.
However, for 3 of the 4 contrasts, discrepancies that equaled
or exceeded 1.5 z-score points in the hypothesized
direction were sufficiently unusual to be considered clinically
significant. For a 4th contrast, discrepancies that equaled
or exceeded 1 z-score point in the hypothesized
direction appeared to meet this criterion. It is suggested
that the interpretation of clinically obtained CVLT–C
profiles should focus primarily on specific quantitative
variables, with inclusion of consideration of the presented
base rates of discrepancies between the respective z
scores. (JINS, 1999, 5, 26–31.)