Convergent, Discriminant, and Concurrent Validity of Nonmemory-Based Performance Validity Tests. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webber, Troy A.; Critchfield, Edan A.; Soble, Jason R.
• Is Part Of: Assessment. Volume 27:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 1399
• Page End: 1415
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: assessment -- malingering/symptom validity testing -- elderly/geriatrics/aging; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Psychodiagnostics -- Periodicals; Personality tests -- Periodicals; 150.287
• DOI: 10.1177/1073191118804874
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-1911

Abstract

To supplement memory-based Performance Validity Tests (PVTs) in identifying noncredible performance, we examined the validity of the two most commonly used nonmemory-based PVTs—Dot Counting Test (DCT) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth edition (WAIS-IV) Reliable Digit Span (RDS)—as well as two alternative WAIS-IV Digit Span (DS) subtest PVTs. Examinees completed DCT, WAIS-IV DS, and the following criterion PVTs: Test of Memory Malingering, Word Memory Test, and Word Choice Test. Validity groups were determined by passing 3 (valid; n = 69) or failing ⩾2 (noncredible; n = 30) criterion PVTs. DCT, RDS, RDS–Revised (RDS-R), and WAIS-IV DS Age-Corrected Scaled Score (ACSS) were significantly correlated (but uncorrelated with memory-based PVTs). Combining RDS, RDS-R, and ACSS with DCT improved classification accuracy (particularly for DCT/ACSS) for detecting noncredible performance among valid-unimpaired, but largely not valid-impaired examinees. Combining DCT with ACSS may uniquely assess and best supplement memory-based PVTs to identify noncredible neuropsychological test performance in cognitively unimpaired examinees.