Detection of malingerers using the Rey Complex Figure and Recognition Trial

The detection of malingered performance on neuropsychological tests is important for the clinical practitioner. However, malingering is often impossible to detect based on individual test scores. This article suggests that the relation of scores to one another (profile pattern) adds a dimension to identifying malingered performance not available through examination of individual test scores. This article examines Memory Error Patterns (MEPs) of the Rey Complex Figure Test and Recognition Trial (RCFT; Meyers & Meyers, 1995). The patterns were found to be good predictors of malingering. Malingering participants and simulators produce storage and attention MEPs whereas these 2 patterns do not appear in mild brain injury participants who have adequate motivation. Therefore, MEPs on the RCFT appear to be a method that can be used to detect malingered performance. It is important that the validity of the individual neuropsychological test performance used in an assessment be evaluated as part of the interpretation process.