Detecting simulation of attention deficits using reaction time tests.

Full Abstract

The current study examined if a newly developed series of reaction time tests, the Computerized Tests of Information Processing (CTIP), were sensitive to simulation of attention deficits commonly caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). The CTIP consists of three reaction time tests: Simple RT, Choice RT, and Semantic Search RT. These tests were administered to four groups: Control, Simulator, Mild TBI, and Severe TBI. Individuals attempting to simulate attention deficits produced longer reaction time scores, made more incorrect responses, and exhibited greater variability than cognitively-intact individuals and those with TBI. Sensitivity and specificity values were comparable or exceeded those obtained on the Test of Memory Malingering. As such, the CTIP offers considerable promise of serving as a viable malingering test that uses a distinctively different paradigm than the two-item, forced-choice procedure employed by traditional symptom validity tests.

Author information

Author/s: Willison, Janna (J); Tombaugh, Tom N (TN);

Affiliation: Royal Ottawa Hospital, Canada.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Archives of clinical neuropsychology : the official journal of the National Academy of Neuropsychologists (Arch Clin Neuropsychol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jan; vol 21 (issue 1) : pp 41-52

Dates: Created 2005/12/19; Completed 2006/04/11; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16280230, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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