Derivation and clinical validation of consistency indices on the test of memory malingering

Response consistency (CNS) is considered in free-standing performance validity measures like the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT). This study examined the utility of CNS scores on the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM). CNS indices were derived in a non-clinical undergraduate sample randomized to control (n = 73), naïve simulator (n = 73), and coached simulator (n = 73) groups. Two of the three TOMM CNS measures showed higher classification rates identifying naïve simulators than the standard TOMM criteria; CNS measures classified coached simulators better than the standard TOMM criteria. Coached simulators outperformed naïve simulators on the standard TOMM scores, but not on CNS measures, suggesting their resilience to coaching. In a separate clinical sample of veterans (N = 92), TOMM CNS scores exhibited comparable classification rates with the standard TOMM scoring using the MSVT as the performance validity criterion. Overall, findings support TOMM CNS scores, especially in settings in which examinee coaching is likely.