Introducing a forced choice recognition trial to the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised. Issue 8 (17th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abeare, Christopher A.; Hurtubise, Jessica L.; Cutler, Laura; Sirianni, Christina; Brantuo, Maame; Makhzoum, Nadeen; Erdodi, Laszlo A.
• Is Part Of: Clinical neuropsychologist. Volume 35:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1442
• Page End: 1470
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17
• Subjects: Hopkins Verbal Learning Test -- forced choice recognition -- experimental malingering -- performance validity; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Mental Disorders -- Periodicals; 612.805
• DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2020.1779348
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1385-4046

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study was designed to replicate previous research on embedded validity indicators (EVIs) in the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised (HVLT-R) and introduce a new forced choice recognition trial (FCR). Method: Undergraduate research volunteers were randomly assigned ( M Age = 21.7; M Education = 14.5 years, 85% female) to either the control or experimental malingering condition, and were administered a brief battery of neuropsychological tests. Results: Recognition memory based EVIs (both existing and newly introduced) effectively discriminated credible and non-credible response sets. An FCR ≤11 produced .59 sensitivity and perfect specificity to invalid responding. A Recognition Discrimination (RD) score ≤8 also produced a good combination of sensitivity (.35) and specificity (.96). The FCR trial made unique contributions to performance validity assessment above and beyond previously published EVIs. Conclusions: RD achieved ≥.90 specificity at higher cutoffs than previously reported. The newly introduced FCR trial has the potential to enhance the existing arsenal of EVIs within the HVLT-R. However, it must demonstrate its ability to differentiate genuine impairment from non-credible responding before it can be recommended for clinical use.