About the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test
André Rey at the University of Geneva developed the Complex Figure Test in 1941 as part of his clinical work with brain-injured patients. The test consists of a complex geometric figure with 18 elements (large rectangle, internal cross, diagonals, geometric shapes attached to specific points). Subjects first COPY the figure with the model in view, then reproduce it from MEMORY after a 3-minute delay (and sometimes again after 30 minutes).
Paul-Alexandre Osterrieth, also at Geneva, developed the standard 36-point scoring system in 1944 that became internationally adopted. Each of the 18 figure elements is scored 0-2 (accuracy and placement). The test produces 3 scores: Copy, Immediate Recall, Delayed Recall. The copy-recall discrepancy isolates pure memory function from constructional ability.
Rey-Osterrieth is one of the 5 most-used neuropsychological tests worldwide. It is sensitive to: right-hemisphere damage (poor copy organization), Alzheimer's (poor delayed recall), schizophrenia (poor strategy), ADHD (impulsive approach, missed details), and developmental dyspraxia (motor difficulties in copying). Multiple alternate forms (Taylor, MCG, etc.) allow re-testing without practice effects.
The 3 subtests
What the test looks like
Rey-Osterrieth is a visual figure test, not a multiple-choice test. The examiner gives the test-taker a copy of the Rey figure - a complex geometric drawing containing a large rectangle bisected by horizontal and vertical lines, two diagonals, and 18 smaller geometric elements (circles, squares, lines, dots) attached to specific points on the main rectangle.
Copy condition: The test-taker has the figure in front of them and reproduces it on blank paper. The examiner notes the order in which elements are drawn (organized vs piecemeal) and times the copy (typically 2-5 minutes).
Immediate Recall: 3 minutes after finishing the copy, the figure is removed and the test-taker reproduces it from memory on a fresh sheet.
Delayed Recall: 20-30 minutes later (filled with unrelated tasks), the test-taker reproduces it again from memory.
Scoring: Each of the 18 elements receives 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 points based on accuracy and placement. The maximum score is 36. Three separate scores result: Copy, Immediate Recall, Delayed Recall. The discrepancy between Copy and Recall isolates pure memory function from constructional ability.
The Rey figure itself is widely reproduced in neuropsychology textbooks (in the public domain since the 1941 publication). The Osterrieth 36-point scoring system is the standard. Proprietary scoring systems with more detail (Boston Qualitative Scoring System, Developmental Scoring System) are copyrighted.
Source
All test materials and historical content on this page are transcribed from:
Rey, A. (1941) and Osterrieth, P.A. (1944), Archives de Psychologie.
The original Rey-Osterrieth figure and methodology were published in academic journals in 1941 and 1944. The figure itself is widely reproduced in neuropsychology textbooks; specific modern scoring systems (e.g., Boston Qualitative Scoring System) are copyrighted.
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