There are several hallmark assessments of memory and higher-level cognitive functions that are commonly used and recognized by neuropsychologists. Among these are the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) and the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), which were developed by Dr. Dean Delis, a board-certified neuropsychologist. Today, we talk with Dean about executive functions, the D-KEFS, the upcoming D-KEFS 2.0, and the CVLT-3.
A pdf of the transcript for this episode is available here.
Topics Covered
- Definition of executive functioning
- Importance of testing higher-level cognitive functioning in school-aged children
- Incorporating the process approach into assessment development
- Differences between the D-KEFS trail making test and other versions
- Circumstances in which lesser-known D-KEFS tests are useful
- Significance of completion time versus errors on the D-KEFS trail making task
- Overview and development of the second edition of the D-KEFS
- Digitalization of the D-KEFS 2.0
- Differences between the CVLT-2 and CLVT-3
- Words of wisdom about test development
- A discussion regarding ecological validity
- Working with Dr. Edith Kaplan
- Additional information regarding the D-KEFS 2.0 and CVLT-3
About Dean
Dean Delis, Ph.D., ABPP-CN, is a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. He was previously the co-director of training in neuropsychology at UCSD, adjunct professor of psychology at San Diego State University, and Director of the Psychological Assessment Unit at the San Diego VA Medical Center. Dr. Delis has published over 200 research articles, book chapters, books, and neuropsychological tests. His primary research interests involve cognitive deficits in children and adults with neurological disorders, and cerebral organization of spatial cognition, memory, and executive functions.
Selected References
Stephens, T. L. (2014). The assessment of executive functioning using the Delis-Kaplan executive functions system (D-KEFS). In Handbook of executive functioning (pp. 209-222). Springer, New York, NY.
Keifer, E., & Tranel, D. (2013). A neuropsychological investigation of the Delis-Kaplan executive function system. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 35(10), 1048-1059.
This was a fantastic episode and this podcast is great overall. I’m so excited for the DKEFS2, and I’m curious to see what additions have been made. Dr. Delis’s comments about verbal switching were really interesting and I’m curious if there will be any action fluency items on the new version. Thanks for the great show!