ABSTRACT
This chapter is a comprehensive reference manual providing information on the San Diego Odor Identification Test (SOIT), which is an objective screening test of olfactory functioning and specifically assesses odour identification. The prime motivation of Murphy and colleagues was to develop a children’s odour identification test because they found that the available adult batteries did not perform adequately with children. Adequate reliability data for the SOIT of smell function are not available. It could be used as a screening test but its sensitivity and specificity are unknown. There are validated short tests of smell functioning that are commercially available. A brief history of the instrument's development is provided, along with a description of item content and administration/scoring procedures. Psychometric properties are reviewed and a critical commentary is provided. Key references are cited and in most cases the actual scale is included, giving the reader easy access to the instrument.
