Table 2.
Measures of Numeracy
| Test | Admin Time (min) | Age | Measurement | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRAT-3 (Wide Range Achievement Test) | 15 minutes (for Math Section) | 5-75 | Primarily calculations, basic algebra. | Validated in a large population of people. Provides absolute scores, scores standardized by age, and grade equivalents. | Primarily focuses on mathematical calculations. No health focus. |
| K-TEA (Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement) | Brief: 30 mins Comprehensive: 60 - 75 mins | Children in grades 1-12 | Measures basic arithmetic, lifelike situations, numerical reasoning, written computational skills, oral (accompanied with visual stimuli) and written problems | Can start at different grade levels. Age based and grade based norms. Brief and Comprehensive forms available. | Lengthy test. Individually administered No health focus. |
| Key Math | 35-50 minutes | Children in Grades K-9 | Covers basic concepts (numeration, geometry, etc.), operations, and applications (measurement, time, problem solving, etc.). | Can start at different grade levels. Provides comprehensive coverage. | Lengthy. Primarily focused on younger participants. No health focus. |
| Woodcock-Johnson | Test until a ceiling is reached | 2-95 | Measures calculation and applied problems in the standard battery. Quantitative concepts in the supplemental battery. | Validated in a broad age range. Can start at different levels. | Lengthy. No health focus. |
| TOFHLA (Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults) | 10 minutes (numeracy section) | Adults | Measures numeracy and reading Comprehension | Directed toward capturing numeracy skills in the middle to low levels of literacy ability. | Numeracy questions rely heavily on verbal literacy and are highly correlated with Literacy questions. |
| Lipkus/Schwartz 3 and 7 item numeracy measures | 1-3 minutes | Adults | Measures understanding of frequency, probability, and percentages. | Brief | Focuses on one specific component of numeracy. |
| Medical Data Interpretation Test | Time not specified. Includes 18 items. | Adults | Focuses on risk perception and probability | In-depth examination of patient understanding of risks | Focuses on one component of numeracy. May not be suitable for low numerate populations |
| Newest Vital Sign | 3-5 minutes | Adults | Measures understanding of nutrition label | Correlated with full TOFHLA. Brief. | Primarily designed as a screening instrument. Not yet validated for other use. |