Comparison Of Impulsivity Scores Generated By The MFFT And The TOVA.

The Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) and the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) are two popular tests used to determine a person's "impulsivity", especially when screening a child for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) . Sixty third and fourth grade children rated as having average to low levels of impulsivity by their teachers on a subjective scale, were administered both tests to determine if a correlation exists between the standard impulsivity scores generated by each test . After eliminating five subjects which produced unreliable data on the TOVA, the linear correlation coefficient between the two sets of scores demonstrates a predictable negative correlation, however, the correlation is very low (r = 0. 37(p<.Ol)) . From these results, we learned that the exact definition of "impulsivity." as determined by each test must be unique, so that we can in no way reliably predict the impulsivity score of either test based on the results of the other . This study also brings up further questions as to the validity of one test versus the other when clinics or researchers attempt to use these tests to screen children for impulsivity related to ADHD. Further study concerning ' this correlation in previously diagnosed ADHD students and a closer look at the type of "impulsivity" in children with ADHD would prove useful.