We want a memory test so that we assess interview candidates on their
ablity to learn and recall information. We could do a simple game of
"pairs" with cards, but we believe this a very short term memory test
and we're looking for something that might test a greater extent of
the learning and recall process.  We're looking for something that
tells us how to easily design such a test with reasons why it will
work, or where we can buy tests that will work for what we're after.
thanks!

---

Request for Question Clarification by pinkfreud-ga on 16 Sep 2004 15:21 PDT

I spent a decade working as a testing specialist for a government
agency, and it is my belief that the difficulties of creating your own
test would far outweigh the advantages. Designing and norming a test
is time-consuming and expensive, and there is a risk of legal
challenges from applicants who may allege that the test is
discriminatory in some fashion. I think you'll be much better off with
an existing test.

One of the best-regarded tests of memory is the Wechsler Memory Scale:

http://harcourtassessment.com/haiweb/Cultures/en-US/Products/Product+Detail.htm?CS_ProductID=015-8981-308&CS_Category=Adolescents&CS_Catalog=TPC-USCatalog

http://www.cps.nova.edu/~cpphelp/WMS-3.html

Would this meet your needs? If not, it would be very helpful if you
could give a few more details about what you hope to learn from the
test's results.

---

Clarification of Question by headsetsdotcom-ga on 16 Sep 2004 17:11 PDT

PinkFreud. (great name! :-). Yes I think it would. I called the
company to get some clafification, but after 10 mins on hold and
getting disconnected i gave up.

Can you clafify what we'd buy, and what it would cost, and if there is
another vendor we can buy it from.  Please post whatever you find as
an answer and i'll gladly pay it. If you can't find any more info,
post this and i'll pay anyway.  Thanks a lot for doing this.

Mike

Thank you for accepting my suggestion of the Wechsler Memory Scale.
I'm reposting the links from my comment, plus some additional
material.

Harcourt Assessment: Wechsler Memory Scale - 3rd Edition (WMS-III)
http://harcourtassessment.com/haiweb/Cultures/en-US/Products/Product+Detail.htm?CS_ProductID=015-8981-308&CS_Category=Adolescents&CS_Catalog=TPC-USCatalog

Center for Psychological Studies: Wechsler Memory Scale 3rd Edition (WMS-III)
http://www.cps.nova.edu/~cpphelp/WMS-3.html

Regarding the purchasing of the WMS-III, I believe it can be obtained
only from the publisher, Harcourt. You'll probably want to buy the
kit, which has everything you need to get started. Additional record
forms (test answer sheets) can be purchased as needed. You can order
online:

WMS-III Complete Kit 
 
015-8981-715 Includes Administration/Norms Manual, Technical Manual,
25 Record Forms, 25 Visual Reproduction Response Booklets, Stimulus
Booklet 1, Stimulus Booklet 2, Spatial Span Board, packaged in a
convenient portfolio case. $499.00

 Record Forms (Pkg of 100)
(Pkg of 100) $210.00  

 Record Forms (Pkg of 25)
(Pkg of 25) $55.00 

Harcourt Assessment: Wechsler Memory Scale - 3rd Edition (WMS-III)
http://harcourtassessment.com/haiweb/Cultures/en-US/Products/Product+Detail.htm?CS_ProductID=015-8981-308&CS_Category=Adolescents&CS_Catalog=TPC-USCatalog

I've come across another battery of tests that you may want to
investigate. I know nothing of this other than what is on the Web, but
CritiCall Pre-Employment Testing Software might be useful to you.
According to their homepage, "CritiCall is software that tests
dispatcher, calltaker, and telecommunicator applicants in the computer
and other job-related skills necessary for today?s complex dispatching
environment." Criticall offers these memory tests:

"Memory Recall (Short Term)

Tests memory and selective attention for written and audible information 
Test taker responds both vocally and in writing 
Requires character recognition and/or listening accuracy

Memory Recall (Long Term) & Inductive Reasoning

Tests memory for details provided earlier in test 
Requires logical inferences based upon information provided 
Requires inductive reasoning to form conclusions"

Criticall: TEST DESCRIPTIONS
http://www.criticall911.com/test_description.html

Here you'll find contact info for Criticall:

Criticall: Contact
http://www.criticall911.com/contact.html

Google search strategy:

Google Web Search: "wechsler memory scale"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=%22wechsler+memory+scale%22

I hope this helps. If anything is unclear or incomplete, please
request clarification, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Best regards,
pinkfreud

Great work PinkFreud.  Thanks for this.  Headsets.com