title: Detection of intentional sub-optimal performance on a computerized finger-tapping task.
abstract: Twenty-four undergraduates were assigned to two groups to determine if the T3 computerized finger-tapping task could discriminate between persons motivated to perform optimally and those motivated to perform sub-optimally. Group HI was instructed to simulate a head-injured person undergoing an insurance evaluation, whereas group J was instructed to simulate an applicant undergoing a job interview. Group HI tapped slower, demonstrated less fatigue, less similarity between their right- and left-hand performance, and showed less of a speed advantage for the preferred hand. While group HI displayed less variability for the non-preferred hand, the groups did not differ on variability for the preferred hand. Therefore, the T3 successfully discriminates on multiple measures between persons simulating optimal and sub-optimal performance.
authors.affiliation: Life Stress Center 3S-14, Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center, MI 48201, USA. btanner@dmc.org
authors.forename: Barry A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.forename: Richard L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Bowles
authors.forename: Evan L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Tanner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009048:Motor Skills; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis