Finding malingering information on the Internet.

摘要

Previous research has shown that information about psychological and neuropsychological tests is available on the Internet. This study sought to determine if that information could be found by individuals without formal training in psychology. The main hypothesis was that individuals could find test information that could be used to malinger psychological or neuropsychological impairment without being detected. Analyses revealed that both law students and individuals not involved in law or psychology were able to find test information online. A total of 946 informative websites were found, 170 of which contained specific information that would directly compromise the validity of specific psychological tests. Information about the MMPI-2 was found most often (n=267), followed by websites with information about the Test of Memory Malingering (n=73). The presence and specificity of information about mental health disorders on the Internet was also examined. Information about depressive disorders was found most often (n=198), followed by websites that contained information about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (n=182). Law students found more sources than a sample from the general population not involved in law or psychology. Both groups found a similar number of websites that could not actually be used effectively to dissimulate, but participants were unable to accurately assess the minimal utility of this information.