The DTVP-2 visual closure subtest: a closer look

Abstract

The Developmental Test of Visual Perception, 2^nd edition (DTVP-2), is a valuable measuring tool to assess children's visual perceptual abilities. Although this test is standardised for the American population, it is often used by South African occupational therapists. The DTVP-2 consists of eight subtests, of which one is the visual closure subtest. Clinical experience and research have shown that children often score below average on the visual closure subtest, despite scoring average or above average on the other subtests. A quantitative, descriptive study investigated the validity of the DTVP-2's visual closure subtest. Forty children, five years of age, of any race, who could understand and speak English, participated in the study conducted in City X, South Africa. Each child completed the DTVP-2 according to the prescribed procedures. Forty per cent of children scored below average in the visual closure subtest, which was statistically significantly lower than the other subtests. Therapists using this test should interpret the results of the visual closure subtest with care, and consider its influence on the General Visual Perception Quotient. This study emphasises the need for a visual perceptual test standardised for the South African population.