Psychometric validation and normative data of a second Chinese version of the Hooper Visual Organization Test in children

The Hooper Visual Organization Test (HVOT) is a measure of visuosynthetic ability. Previously, the psychometric properties of the HVOT have been evaluated for Chinese-speaking children aged 5-11 years. This study reports development and further evidence of reliability and validity for a second version involving an extended age range of healthy children and children with developmental disabilities (DD) from 5 to 14 years of age. Rasch analysis revealed that after deletion of 6 items, a 24-item version conformed to a unidimensional scale. The test showed satisfactory internal consistency; 3-week test-retest coefficients all exceeded .85 for three DD subsamples. The second version was able to successfully differentiate between the three DD subgroups (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and mental retardation) and the healthy control group, with correct classification rates ranging from 86.6% to 94.1%. Its construct validity was supported by expected correlations. Accordingly, age-based normative data were established as a basis for interpretation of performance. In sum, the second Chinese version of the HVOT has good psychometric properties and norms that are suited for use in clinical practice.