Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

Journal:


Clinical Neuropsychologist

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 33, 1, 90-107

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the incremental utility of item-level response time (RT) variables on a traditional performance validity test in distinguishing adults with verified TBI from adults coached to feign neurocognitive impairment.

METHOD: Participants were 45 adults with moderate to severe TBI, 45 healthy adults coached to feign neurocognitive impairment (SIM), and 61 healthy adult comparisons providing full effort (HC). All participants completed a computerized version of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM-C) in the context of a larger test battery. RT variables examined along with TOMM-C accuracy scores included mean RTs (Trial 1, Trial 2, correct and incorrect trials) and RT variability indices.

RESULTS: Several RT indices differed significantly across the groups. In general, SIM produced longer, more variable RTs than HC and TBI. Of the RT indices, average RT for Trial 1 and 2 were the best predictors of group membership; however, classification accuracies were greatly influenced by the groups being compared. Average RT for Trial 1 and 2 showed excellent discrimination of SIM and HC. All RT indices were less successful in discriminating SIM and TBI. Average RT for Trial 1 and 2 added incremental predictive value to TOMM-C accuracy in distinguishing SIM from TBI.

CONCLUSION: Findings contribute to a limited body of research examining the incremental utility of combining RT with traditional PVTs in distinguishing feigned and bona fide TBI. Findings support the hypothesis that combining RT with TOMM-C accuracy can improve its diagnostic accuracy. Future research with other groups of clinical interest is recommended.

Author(s):


Kanser, RJ, Rapport, LJ , Bashem, JR, Hanks, RA