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The Effects of Repeat Testing, Malingering, and Traumatic Brain Injury on Computerized Measures of Visuospatial
David L Woods1, John M Wyma2, Timothy J Herron2
1Human Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, Martinez, CAUSA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CAUSA; Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CAUSA; Center for Mind and Brain, University of California, Davis, Davis, CAUSA.
A new computerized spatial span test (C-SST) offers improved reliability and sensitivity for assessing spatial working memory. This tool effectively detects malingering and reveals preserved visuospatial memory in mild traumatic brain injury patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Spatial span tests (SSTs) like the Corsi Block Test (CBT) are standard for evaluating spatial working memory deficits.
- Existing SSTs may lack precision in measurement and sensitivity to subtle cognitive changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability and clinical sensitivity of a novel computerized spatial span test (C-SST).
- To assess the C-SST's ability to detect malingering and evaluate visuospatial working memory in mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted using the C-SST, incorporating psychophysical methods for precise spatial span measurement.
- Experiment 1 assessed test-retest reliability in 49 participants over three sessions.
- Experiments 2 and 3 evaluated malingering detection and performance in mild TBI patients, respectively.
Main Results:
- The C-SST demonstrated high test-retest reliability for its mean span (MnS) metric (ICC=0.83) and response times (ReTs) (ICC=0.93).
- The C-SST effectively distinguished simulated malingerers from controls, with specific metrics showing high sensitivity and specificity.
- Mild TBI patients showed no significant group-level abnormalities in C-SST performance.
Conclusions:
- The C-SST offers superior reliability and sensitivity compared to traditional spatial span tests.
- The C-SST is a valuable tool for detecting malingering in cognitive assessments.
- Visuospatial working memory appears largely preserved in individuals with predominantly mild TBI.
