This will only take a minute: Time cutoffs are superior to accuracy cutoffs on the forced choice recognition trial of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised. Issue 6 (2nd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cutler, Laura; Abeare, Christopher A.; Messa, Isabelle; Holcomb, Matthew; Erdodi, Laszlo A.
• Is Part Of: Applied neuropsychology. Volume 29:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1425
• Page End: 1439
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02
• Subjects: Embedded validity indicators -- forced-choice recognition -- Hopkins Verbal Learning Test -- performance validity; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; Cognition disorders -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Diagnosis -- Periodicals; Brain -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Brain -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Neuropsychological Tests -- Periodicals; Adult; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2021.1884555
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2327-9095

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the classification accuracy of the recently introduced forced-choice recognition trial to the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test – Revised (FCR HVLT-R ) as a performance validity test (PVT) in a clinical sample. Time-to-completion (T2C) for FCR HVLT-R was also examined. Method: Forty-three students were assigned to either the control or the experimental malingering ( exp MAL) condition. Archival data were collected from 52 adults clinically referred for neuropsychological assessment. Invalid performance was defined using exp MAL status, two free-standing PVTs and two validity composites. Results: Among students, FCR HVLT-R ≤11 or T2C ≥45 seconds was specific (0.86–0.93) to invalid performance. Among patients, an FCR HVLT-R ≤11 was specific (0.94–1.00), but relatively insensitive (0.38–0.60) to non-credible responding0. T2C ≥35 s produced notably higher sensitivity (0.71–0.89), but variable specificity (0.83–0.96). The T2C achieved superior overall correct classification (81–86%) compared to the accuracy score (68–77%). The FCR HVLT-R provided incremental utility in performance validity assessment compared to previously introduced validity cutoffs on Recognition Discrimination. Conclusions: Combined with T2C, the FCR HVLT-R has the potential to function as a quick, inexpensive and effective embedded PVT. The time-cutoff effectively attenuated the low ceiling of the accuracy scores, increasing sensitivity by 19%. Replication in larger and more geographically and demographically diverse samples is needed before the FCR HVLT-R can be endorsed for routine clinical application.