Test-retest reliability of the Ruff Figural Fluency Test

Abstract

The Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT), originally designed by Ruff et al. in 1987 [1], is a neuropsychological testing instrument frequently used in clinical, medical, and research settings as an indication of non-verbal fluency reflective of potential right hemispheric deficits. Research on the RFFT has shown that it can be useful in determining potential frontal lobe damage, particularly neural loss in the right frontal region. Given the high utility of the RFFT as a measure of design fluency deficits, various research efforts have been made to establish the test-retest properties of the RFFT. The current study sought to replicate previous efforts provided by Ruff et al. (1987) [1] and Ross et al. (2003) [2] looking at the normative data of the RFFT on an undergraduate population. Multiple factors were taking into consideration, including age, ethnicity, and gender. Findings from the study indicate high testretest reliability, despite improved scores on the RFFT between test 1 and test 2. Overall, the findings from the current study supported previously demonstrated test-retest properties of the RFFT, further establishing this neuropsychological tool as a strong measure of non-verbal fluency and right hemispheric functioning.