Citation

Bauer L, O'Bryant SE, Lynch JK, McCaffrey RJ, Fisher JM. Assessment 2007; 14(3): 215-222.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1073191106297617

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Assessing effort level during neuropsychological evaluations is critical to support the accuracy of cognitive test scores. Many instruments are designed to measure effort, yet they are not routinely administered in neuropsychological assessments. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and the Word Memory Test (WMT) are commonly administered symptom validity tests with sound psychometric properties. This study examines the use of the TOMM Trial 1 and the WMT Immediate Recognition (IR) trial scores as brief screening tools for insufficient effort through an archival analysis of a combined sample of mild head-injury litigants ( N = 105) who were assessed in forensic private practices.

RESULTS show that both demonstrate impressive diagnostic accuracy and calculations of positive and negative predictive power are presented for a range of base rates. These results support the utility of Trial 1 of the TOMM and the WMT IR trial as screening methods for the assessment of insufficient effort in neuropsychological assessments. (Contains 2 tables.)

Language: en