Semantic Categorization Test [SCT-40]

Description

The Semantic Categorization Test (SCT-40) presents pairs of stimuli drawn from 10 semantic categories. Each pair may consist of two verbal stimuli, one verbal and one visual stimulus, or two visual stimuli. The participant decides whether the two items belong to the same semantic category by answering “yes” or “no.”

Purpose

The test assesses semantic processing and the ability to identify categorical relationships between concepts. It is particularly relevant for individuals with aphasia, right-hemisphere dysfunction, stroke, or other neurocognitive conditions affecting semantic organization.

Scoring

Performance is based on the number of correct responses and the average reaction time, allowing both accuracy and speed of semantic processing to be evaluated.

Validity and Reliability

The SCT-40 is still under development. Its design is based on theoretically supported models of semantic processing, but official numerical reliability indices have not yet been reported.

Use

The test may be used in clinical and research settings to investigate aphasic syndromes, semantic memory, and language processing following vascular or traumatic brain injury.

Reference

Kosmidou, M.-E., Tsapkini, Ch., Sioula, A., & Alexiadou, A. (in preparation). Verbal and pictorial comprehension following recent stroke.