New cut-score to improve performance of the Memory Validity Profile (MVP) in heterogenous clinical populations. Issue 5 (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tewolde, Furtuna; Svingos, Adrian; Norheim, Nicole; Turner, Elise; Jones, Laura; Heaton, Shelley
• Is Part Of: Child neuropsychology. Volume 27:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 601
• Page End: 612
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: Performance validity -- pediatric neuropsychology -- Memory Validity Profile -- test of memory malingering -- reliable digit span; Pediatric neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Adolescent psychology -- Periodicals; Child development deviations -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; 618.92805
• DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2021.1876013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0929-7049

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Memory Validity Profile (MVP) is a standalone performance validity test developed specifically for use with children. Prior research has demonstrated the MVP's strength in its ease of administration to children with a wide range of intellectual abilities. However, it has been found to lack sensitivity in detecting noncredible performance in select clinical populations using published cutoffs. The current study examines the MVP's performance in a diagnostically heterogeneous clinical sample and proposes a new cutoff for optimization of sensitivity and specificity. Archival clinical data were examined from 96 participants referred for a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation (ages 6–18). Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the discriminative ability of MVP in detecting cases of noncredible performance defined as failures on both the Test of Memory Malingering and Reliable Digit Span. Using published cutoffs, the MVP demonstrated perfect specificity (100%) but suboptimal sensitivity (33.3%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed strong discrimination using MVP Total score (AUC = 0.891 ( p < 0.001)) and a MVP Total cut-score of ≤30 resulted in optimal sensitivity (89%) and specificity (63%). Our findings provide additional evidence that published MVP cutoffs may be too lenient to adequately capture instances of noncredible performance and indicate an MVP Total score cutoff of ≤30 may be more appropriate for use with heterogeneous clinical populations.