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Detecting feigned neuropsychological impairment with the Seashore Rhythm Test
1Department of Psychology, Saint Louis University, MO 63103, USA.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|June 12, 1998
Summary
The Seashore Rhythm Test (SRT) effectively identifies individuals feigning neurological impairment. Both informed and uninformed simulators scored lower than controls and actual traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuropsychology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Simulating neuropsychological impairment is a challenge in clinical and forensic settings.
- The Seashore Rhythm Test (SRT) is a potential tool for detecting malingering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the SRT in identifying simulated neurological impairment.
- To compare SRT performance between sophisticated simulators, naive simulators, control subjects, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients.
Main Methods:
- Sixty undergraduates were assigned to sophisticated simulator, naive simulator, or control groups.
- Subjects completed the SRT; sophisticated simulators received information on TBI sequelae.
- SRT scores from 20 TBI patients were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Both sophisticated and naive simulator groups exhibited significantly lower SRT scores than control and TBI groups.
- A novel discriminant function cutting score achieved 79% correct classification of subjects.
- Previously established cutting scores yielded classification rates of 64% and 72%.
Conclusions:
- The SRT is a valuable instrument for detecting feigned neurological impairment.
- The developed cutting score demonstrates improved accuracy in identifying malingering.
- Findings support the SRT's utility in neuropsychological evaluations involving suspected malingering.