Malingering detection with the dot counting test

The Dot Counting Test (DCT) offers a technique for malingering detection that is less transparent than the forced-choice testing that has received so much recent attention. The present study defined six dependent variables derived from DCT responses, and examined these variables in the context of differentiating simulators from non-simulators. Four groups of subjects were studied: normal controls, neuropsychological evaluation patients, naive (uncoached) malingering simulators, and sophisticated (coached) malingering simulators. Results demonstrate that the DCT provides several different scores that significantly differ between simulators and non-simulators. The DCT appears to hold promise as an additional tool to neuropsychologists in the detection of malingering.