Word Fluency Test (WFT): A parallel FAS alternative

• Published in: Applied neuropsychology. Adult 2024-05, Vol.31 (3), p.282-291
• Main Authors: Erickson, Tom, Malek-Ahmadi, Michael, Luft, Cecily A., Campbell, Cynthia, Strecker, Holly K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COWAT; letter fluency; phonemic fluency; verbal fluency; word fluency
• ISSN: 2327-9095; 2327-9109
• DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.2021410

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.