title: Effects of sophistication and motivation on the detection of malingered memory performance using a computerized forced-choice task.
abstract: The present study employed a computerized forced-choice recognition memory task, the Multi-Digit Memory Test (MDMT), to examine the effects of instructional set (i.e., dissimulation information provided subjects) and motivation (i.e., monetary incentive) on simulated malingering behavior in a group of 119 university undergraduate students and 33 patients sustaining varying severity of closed-head injury. For the nonpatient groups, a significant effect of instructional set was revealed. Motivational incentive, however, did not affect forced-choice performance. Overall, significant performance differences emerged between all groups with nonmalingering students performing nearly perfectly, the brain-injured patients performing well above chance levels, sophisticated student malingers performing at chance, and naive student malingers performing well below chance levels. These results suggest the MDMT may offer a clinically useful and convenient addition to a neuropsychological assessment when there is suspicion of feigned memory problems. These data also support the use of naive and sophisticated malingering subjects in further analog studies addressing this topic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803-5501.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bolter
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Todd
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Gouvier
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Niccolls
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004493:Education; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D008838:Microcomputers; D009042:Motivation; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests