Brief Description

The test consists of pairs of items belonging to 10 semantic categories. Each pair is made up of either two verbal stimuli, one verbal and one visual stimulus, or two visual stimuli. The presented items may belong to the same or to different semantic categories. The participant is asked to determine whether the two stimuli in each pair belong to the same semantic category by responding with “yes” or “no.”

Purpose

The test aims to assess semantic perception skills, specifically the ability to recognize categorical relationships between concepts. It places particular emphasis on individuals with aphasia or right hemisphere dysfunction, as well as those who have experienced a stroke or exhibit other neurocognitive impairments affecting categorization and semantic organization.

Scoring Method

Performance is measured based on the number of correct responses and the average reaction time. Both accuracy and response speed are jointly evaluated to capture the precision and cognitive efficiency involved in processing semantic associations.

Validity

The test is currently under development but is grounded in theoretically supported models of semantic processing in the brain. The use of mixed stimuli types (verbal and visual) is expected to enhance its differential diagnostic value, particularly for neurological populations.

Reliability

Official reliability indicators are not yet available, as the test is in the development phase. However, its design using controlled categories and stimulus formats creates expectations for satisfactory internal consistency and future measurement stability.

Data Analysis and Use

Data analysis can support the diagnosis of aphasic syndromes, the assessment of semantic processing abilities following vascular or traumatic incidents, and research on categorization and language processing. The combination of verbal and visual stimuli allows for the evaluation of multiple channels of access to semantic memory.

References

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