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Clock Drawing Test
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About Clock Drawing Test
Scale Name
Clock Drawing Test
Author Details
Dr. Florence Goodenough and Dr. Maurice Sarfaty (Unconfirmed)
Translation Availability
Multiple

Background/Description
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a widely used neuropsychological assessment tool designed to evaluate cognitive functions, particularly in the context of screening for dementia and other cognitive impairments. The test was first introduced by Dr. Florence Goodenough in the 1920s as part of her research on children’s drawings, and later adapted for clinical use by Dr. Maurice Sarfaty and others.
The CDT is a simple yet powerful tool that requires individuals to draw a clock, including the numbers and the hands indicating a specific time. It assesses various cognitive domains, such as visuospatial abilities, executive functioning, attention, and memory. Because it is quick to administer and easy to interpret, the CDT is frequently used in both clinical and research settings to detect early signs of cognitive decline, particularly in elderly populations.
One of the key strengths of the CDT is its ability to provide insights into different aspects of cognitive processing. For example, difficulty placing the numbers correctly may indicate visuospatial deficits, while problems setting the hands to the correct time may reflect impairments in executive function. The test is also sensitive to a range of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.
Over the years, various scoring systems have been developed to enhance the reliability and validity of the CDT, ranging from simple qualitative assessments to more complex quantitative analyses. Despite its simplicity, the CDT remains a valuable tool in the early detection and monitoring of cognitive disorders.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Instructions: The individual is provided with a blank piece of paper and a pen or pencil. They are then asked to “draw a clock that shows the time 10 minutes past 11,” or another specified time.
- Drawing: The individual draws the clock face, numbers, and hands according to the instructions. There is no time limit, but the task typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Scoring: The drawing is scored based on a specific system. Common scoring criteria include the correct placement of numbers, the spacing of numbers, the correct placement of the hands, and the accuracy of the depicted time.
- Interpretation: The results are interpreted by a healthcare professional, who considers the drawing in the context of the individual’s overall cognitive function and history.
- Follow-up: Based on the results, further cognitive assessments or interventions may be recommended.
Reliability and Validity
The Clock Drawing Test has demonstrated strong reliability and validity as a screening tool for cognitive impairment. The test’s inter-rater reliability is generally high, meaning that different evaluators tend to agree on the scoring of the test. Test-retest reliability is also strong, suggesting that the CDT provides consistent results over time.
In terms of validity, the CDT has been shown to correlate well with other established measures of cognitive function, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Its sensitivity and specificity for detecting dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, make it a valuable component of cognitive screening batteries. The test’s construct validity is supported by its ability to measure various cognitive domains, including visuospatial skills and executive function.
Available Versions
Maltiple-Items
Reference
Kirby, M., Denihan, A., Bruce, I., Coakley, D., & Lawlor, B. A. (2001). The clock drawing test in primary care: sensitivity in dementia detection and specificity against normal and depressed elderly. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 16(10), 935-940.
E Richardson, H., & N Glass, J. (2002). A comparison of scoring protocols on the Clock Drawing Test in relation to ease of use, diagnostic group, and correlations with Mini-Mental State Examination. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 50(1).
Shulman, K. I., Pushkar Gold, D., Cohen, C. A., & Zucchero, C. A. (1993). Clock‐drawing and dementia in the community: a longitudinal study. International journal of geriatric psychiatry, 8(6), 487-496.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can administer the CDT?
A: The CDT can be administered by healthcare professionals, including neurologists, psychologists, and general practitioners.
Q: How long does the CDT take to complete?
A: The test typically takes about 2-3 minutes to complete.
Q: What cognitive functions does the CDT assess?
A: The CDT assesses visuospatial abilities, executive function, attention, and memory.
Q: Is the CDT used to diagnose specific conditions?
A: While the CDT is not a diagnostic tool on its own, it is used to screen for cognitive impairments that may be indicative of conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Q: Can the CDT be used in non-clinical settings?
A: Yes, the CDT is sometimes used in research settings and can be part of routine cognitive assessments in older adults.
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