Detection of malingering in bona fide traumatic brain injury and simulated traumatic brain injury: Combining response time with PVT accuracy results

摘要

Threats to performance validity test (PVT) security and utility have increased efforts to develop covert measures of performance validity. Response time (RT) is a promising covert measure to distinguish between honest and feigned performance; however, research investigating RT patterns on PVTs is sparse and troubled by methodological problems. This study examined the incremental utility of RT variables on a computerized version of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM-C) in distinguishing adults with verified traumatic brain injury (TBI) and healthy adults coached to feign neurocognitive impairment. 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). A number of RT indices differed significantly across groups. RT indices and traditional TOMM-C accuracy scores were evaluated using logistic regression, ROC curve, and Bayesian Information Criterion statistics. Mean RT on Trial 1 and 2 provided incremental predictive value to traditional TOMM-C accuracy in discriminating groups (SIM vs. HC and SIM vs. TBI). Degree of preference for RT indices depended on which groups were being discriminated.