Whipstitch task demands are hypothesized to be more complex than the running stitch task demands. Within each task, the “Hypothesized Abilities” column in the Scoring Tables describes the underlying abilities that are hypothesized to enable the performance observed...
14. Is there a score in any stitch where you would decide not to continue on to the single cordovan stitch?
Continuing on to the next task whether or not the person completes the preceding task successfully is the standard procedure in version 5, but the administrator may end the test at any time for a good reason. Simply hypothesizing that the person will fail at the next...
15. Why do scores on the ACLS stop at 5.8?
The task demands in the ACLS as currently administered do not require use of cognitive abilities described at theoretical level 6, which include imagining and planning out a course of action with objects that are not present. Forming a new sequence of actions and...
16. If a person completes 3 successful cordovan stitches with the whipstitch lacing, how do you score this?
This question represents a situation that is highly improbable from a theoretical perspective, because the error of using the wrong lace is unlikely to be made by a person capable of making 3 correct single cordovan stitches independently. The task demands of the...
17. Can this test be administered by an assistant? A COTA?
Yes, provided that the assistant has been trained and has demonstrated competency in administration and establishes inter-rater reliability in scoring with other therapists. The assistant can also assign a score, but cannot interpret the score. Interpretation of...
7. What kind of positive reassurance may be given as the person works through the tasks?
Encouragement cues are described in the manual, such as “Keep trying”, “I appreciate the effort”, “Many people find this difficult.” Encouragement cues should not include hints or validation such as “That’s better,” “That’s right,” “Now you figured it...
8. Should the administrator make it clear that this is a “test”?
Yes. “I am interested in seeing how you . . . etc.” is part of introducing this test/assessment. Further explanations at the level of the person’s understanding may be given as needed.
9. May the administrator read from the manual or have it visible to set the stage that you are testing/lending credibility to the test when challenged by the person?
Reading directions from the manual during administration is not recommended because the administrator’s full attention should be paid to the person’s performance. Most persons, including professionals from other disciplines, are not familiar with performance tests....
10. Should the administrator demonstrate the test with the left hand for left-handed persons?
Clinical experience over the years suggests that scores are not affected by which hand the administrator uses, though this has not been formally tested. This may be because left-handed persons typically are accustomed to following demonstrations given by right-handed...
11. Should the administrator sit on a specific side of the person?
Sitting to either side is acceptable, as long as the administrator holds the leather in front of the person during demonstrations, and has a clear view of the person’s performance. Sitting to the person’s right to administer the test right-handed and to their left for...