Word Fluency Test (WFT): A parallel FAS alternative

The capacity to quickly verbalize words beginning with a specific letter is integral in assessing language skills as well as an essential part of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Using the letters F, A, S as a word fluency measure is limited by having no direct parallel alternative that can use the same F, A, S norms. This observational and cross-sectional study examined the correlation between the Word Fluency Test (WFT), utilizing letters M, D, H, as a parallel alternative to the clinical standard F, A, S to determine if the two are equivalent. This would allow for the use of existing F, A, S norms. Study participants (N = 356) were comprised of both adult control participants and out-patients with normal neuropsychological test results. Between-group differences for both task performances were not statistically significant indicating that patients and controls performed similarly on each of the six letters. Between-letter correlations were moderate in strength indicating an acceptable level of agreement between all of the letters. The results confirm equivalency and support administering the WFT and employing F, A, S norms offering a corresponding parallel alternative measure with strong correlation indicating high level of agreement.

Automated summary

The ability to quickly express words starting with a specific letter is crucial for assessing language skills and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. This study found that using letters M, D, H as a parallel alternative to the standard letters F, A, S in word fluency tests produced similar results, confirming their equivalency.