TVPS Test Explained

Test Used to Evaluate:

Formal assessment tool used: Test of Visual-Perceptual Skills (non-motor), Third Edition (TVPS-3) by Nancy A. Martin

Visual Discrimination is:

1.  the ability to discriminate dominant features of objects for example the ability to discriminate position, shape, form and colour;

2.  the ability to recognize visual similarities and differences between letters, numbers and words;

3.  this ability is the foundation for sorting, matching and categorizing;

4.  this may effect reading and comprehension:           

    a.  Confusing letters, number and words that look similar.

    b.  Reversing numbers and letters when writing, like bdpq, un, mw, ftj.

    c.  Having problems with learning sight words.

    d.  Predominantly using phonic strategies when reading.

    e.  Finding simple scanning activities, used for comprehension, difficult.

    f.  Having problems with comparative language e.g. taller, longer and shorter than.

5.  this also may effect learning:

    a.  Copying slowly and incorrectly from the board.

    b.  Preferring to use kinesthetic and phonic strategies when learning.

Visual Memory is:

1.  the ability to recognize one stimulus item after a brief interval; and

2.  the ability to remember details such as letters, numbers, shape, colour , size and sequence  

    and recall these details at a later stage.

Spatial Relationships is:

1.  the ability to perceive the position of objects in relation to oneself and/or other objects;

2.  this may effect reading and comprehension:

    a.  Confusing letters, number and words that look similar,

    b.  Reversing and/or rotating numbers and letters when writing, like bdpq, un, mw, ftj.

3.  individuals who have difficulty with spatial relationships may seem:

    a.  unusually clumsy or accident prone; and

    b.  may have poor handwriting (dysgraphia).

Form constancy is:

1.  the ability to recognize letters and/or words irrespectively of changes in shape, font, colour, size, position or context; and

2.  this may effect reading and comprehension:

    a.  Learning of letters, alphabet, syllables, and words.

Sequential memory is:

1.  the ability to recognize letters, words and sentences after a very brief interval;

2.  ability to arrange words, letters, events or sentences in a logical order or pattern;

3.  ability to recall words, letters, events or sentences in a logical order;

4.  ability to create logical connections between words, ideas or concepts; and

5.  this is a necessity to recall answers during comprehension.

Figure Ground is:

1.  the ability to identify an object from a complex background or surrounding objects;

2.  the ability to separate a shape or printed character from its background; and

3.  this may effect concentration, reading and comprehension exercises/activities.

Visual closure is:

1.  the ability to identify a series of letters, words, sentences or numbers when only fragments are presented;

2.  the ability to construct a whole object from related parts; and

3.  this may effect reading and comprehension:

    a.  Identifying a word when a letter is missing.

    b.  Identifying a word when only the first part is read.

    c.  Identifying an idea when a word is missing (or not understood) from a sentence.