Brief Description

The PPT is a neuropsychological test consisting of 52 pages, each displaying three items: one at the top and two at the bottom. The individual is asked to decide which of the two bottom items is conceptually related to the top one. There are six different versions of the test, which use either words or images as stimuli and responses: (1) three pictures, (2) three words, (3) a written word and two images, (4) an image and two written words, (5) a spoken word and two images, and (6) a spoken word and two written words. The test is widely used to assess semantic access through verbal or visual input, particularly in populations with aphasia or agnosia.

Purpose

The test is designed to evaluate an individual’s ability to access semantic information through pictures and words. It serves as a diagnostic tool primarily for assessing people with aphasia or agnosia, aiming to detect their ability to understand semantic relationships between concepts.

Scoring Method

The examiner provides the instruction: “Here are three words/images. You need to decide which of the two at the bottom best goes with the one at the top.” If the participant gives an incorrect response, the correct answer is explained. If the participant is confident in their choice, the answer is recorded as is. If they refuse to answer or express uncertainty, they are awarded 0.5 points for the attempt. Each correct answer is scored with 1 point.

Validity

The PPT has been widely used in neuropsychological research and shows high construct validity, as it directly assesses semantic access. It is built upon a theoretically grounded structure that evaluates semantic associations regardless of whether they are presented through verbal or visual input.

Reliability

Although specific statistical indices of reliability are not provided in the source text, the test’s consistent use in both clinical and research settings, along with the existence of multiple versions, supports its internal consistency and the reproducibility of its results.

Data Analysis and Use

The test allows for quantitative analysis of correct responses, and performance can be evaluated either in total or by stimulus type (word, image, spoken). The data can be used for diagnosing language and cognitive impairments, assessing semantic memory, and monitoring rehabilitation progress in patients with aphasia or cognitive disorders.

References

Howard, D., & Patterson, K. (1992). Pyramids and Palm Trees: A test of semantic access from pictures and words. London: Thames Valley.
Shallice, T. (1987). Impairments of semantic processing: Multiple dissociations. In M. Coltheart, G. Sartori, & R. Job (Eds), The Cognitive Neuropsychology of Language (pp. 111–127). London: Erlbaum.
Tsantali, E., & Tsolaki, M. (2003). Presentation of psycholinguistic tests (Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, Boston Naming Test, Pyramids & Palm Trees). 9th Panhellenic Conference of Psychological Research, Rhodes.