Performance Validity and Effort Indicators Flashcards

Reliable Digit Span (RDS) is calculated by summing which values?

Answer: The longest string length in which both trials were passed, for Forward and for Backward

RDS adds the longest Forward span and the longest Backward span where both trials at that length were correct.

On the WAIS-IV, which RDS cutoff is most often cited as suggesting possible invalid performance in non-demented adults?

Answer: RDS of 7 or less

Many studies use an RDS of 7 or less as the cutoff that gives acceptable specificity for noncredible effort.

What is the main difference between a performance validity test (PVT) and a symptom validity test (SVT)?

Answer: PVTs check whether test performance is credible, and SVTs check whether reported symptoms are credible

Following Larrabee's distinction, PVTs assess the credibility of ability performance, while SVTs assess the credibility of symptom report.

An embedded validity indicator differs from a freestanding PVT because it is:

Answer: Derived from scores on a standard ability test that is already part of the battery

Embedded indicators such as RDS come from existing test scores, so no extra administration time is needed.

On a two-alternative forced-choice memory test, a score significantly below chance most strongly suggests:

Answer: Deliberate selection of wrong answers

Scoring well below 50% means the examinee likely knew the right answers and avoided them on purpose.

Why are PVT cutoffs usually set to give high specificity, even if sensitivity is lower?

Answer: To keep false-positive classifications of genuine patients as noncredible to a minimum

Cutoffs usually aim for at least 90% specificity so that genuine patients are rarely mislabeled.

The Pearson Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) for WAIS-IV/WMS-IV includes which freestanding effort measure?

Answer: Word Choice

The ACS effort assessment includes the Word Choice test along with embedded indicators from the WAIS-IV and WMS-IV.