Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Pilot In Vitro Study to Assess Cleaning Ability and Effects of Different Decontamination Methods on Implant Surfaces
Published on: November 21, 2025
Effects of Distraction on Performance Validity: A Pilot Study with Veterans
Robert D Shura1,2,3, Katherine H Taber1,4,5, Patrick Armistead-Jehle6
1VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MA-MIRECC), Salisbury, NC, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this experimental pilot study was to evaluate whether distraction can affect results of performance validity testing.
Method:
Thirty-three veterans who have served in the US military since 09/11/2001 (Mage = 38.60, SD = 10.85 years) completed the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), Trail Making Test, and Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT). Subjects were randomly assigned to complete the MSVT in one of three experimental conditions: standard administration, while performing serial 2 s (Cognitive Distraction), and while submerging a hand in ice water (Physical Distraction).
Results:
All participants included in primary analyses passed the TOMM (n = 30). Physical distraction did not affect performance on the MSVT. Cognitive distraction negatively affected MSVT performance.
Conclusions:
Cognitive distraction can substantially affect MSVT performance in a subgroup of individuals. Physical distraction did not significantly affect MSVT performance.
Related Concept Videos
Pilot and Numeric Relaying
Reliability and Validity
Data Validation
Nursing assessment guides are generally based on holistic models rather than medical...
Data Validation
Key parameters for method validation include:
Buffer Effectiveness
The buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base that can be added to a given volume...
Framing Effects

