RESUMEN
Researchers who have been responsible for developing test batteries have argued that competent practice requires the use of a "fixed battery" that is co-normed. We tested this assumption with three normative systems: co-normed, meta-regressed norms and a system of these two methods. We analyzed two samples: 330 referred patients and 99 undergraduate volunteers. The T scores generated for referred patients using the three systems were highly associated with one another and quite similar in magnitude, with an Overall Test Battery Means (OTBMs) using the co-normed, hybrid, and meta-regressed scores equaled 43.8, 45.0, and 43.9, respectively. For volunteers, the OTBMs equaled 47.4, 47.5, and 47.1, respectively. The correlations amongst these OTBMs across systems were all above .90. Differences among OTBMs across normative systems were small and not clinically meaningful. We conclude that co-norming for competent clinical practice is not necessary.
Asunto(s)
Trastornos del Conocimiento/diagnóstico , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas/normas , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Análisis de Varianza , Bases de Datos Factuales/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Valores de Referencia , Estadística como Asunto , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
This study compared the Word Memory Test (WMT) and California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II) in a sample (N = 76) of outpatient physiatry referrals who passed WMT validity indices. WMT and CVLT-II raw scores showed moderate to strong correlations. WMT scores were more likely to be below expectation than CVLT-II scores using norms from the respective test manuals. With impaired scores defined as 2 SDs below normative mean, the WMT and CVLT-II showed 67% overall agreement and kappa of 0.34. Forty percent of participants who scored within normal limits on the CVLT-II demonstrated an impaired score on the WMT. Despite evidence of utility, WMT memory subtests appear limited by current normative data.
Asunto(s)
Encefalopatías/diagnóstico , Memoria/fisiología , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas/normas , Aprendizaje Verbal/fisiología , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Valores de ReferenciaRESUMEN
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.
Asunto(s)
Simulación de Enfermedad/diagnóstico , Simulación de Enfermedad/psicología , Trastornos de la Memoria/diagnóstico , Trastornos de la Memoria/psicología , Adolescente , Adulto , Área Bajo la Curva , Evaluación de la Discapacidad , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas , Cooperación del Paciente , Reconocimiento en Psicología , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Retención en Psicología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Aprendizaje Verbal , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Analysis of grip strength force curves has successfully detected suboptimal effort in industrial rehabilitation research. This study examined force curve analysis as an effort measure when grip strength was administered according to standardized neuropsychological procedures in a sample without reported neurologic and upper extremity injury. Eighty-two undergraduates were randomized to control (n = 26), naïve simulator (n = 28), and coached simulator (n = 28) conditions. Outcome measures included grip strength in kilograms, variables calculated from grip strength force curves, and the Word Memory Test (WMT). While average force in kilograms was not significantly different between groups, significant differences were found on the average to peak force ratio as calculated from grip strength force curves. The classification accuracy of average to peak force ratio was lower than the WMT, but comparable to other effort measures. Force curve analysis may warrant further study in a clinical sample.
Asunto(s)
Fuerza de la Mano/fisiología , Memoria , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas , Curva ROC , Aprendizaje Verbal , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Soporte de Peso/fisiologíaRESUMEN
A mathematical model based on the binomial theory was developed to illustrate when abnormal score variations occur by chance in a multitest battery (Ingraham & Aiken, 1996). It has been successfully used as a comparison for obtained test scores in clinical samples, but not in nonclinical samples. In the current study, this model has been applied to demographically corrected scores on the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery, obtained from a sample of 94 nonclinical college students. Results found that 15% of the sample had impairments suggested by the Halstead Impairment Index, using criteria established by Reitan and Wolfson (1993). In addition, one-half of the sample obtained impaired scores on one or two tests. These results were compared to that predicted by the binomial model and found to be consistent. The model therefore serves as a useful resource for clinicians considering the probability of impaired test performance.
Asunto(s)
Distribución Binomial , Trastornos del Conocimiento/diagnóstico , Modelos Estadísticos , Pruebas Neuropsicológicas , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Matemática , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Psicometría , Valores de ReferenciaRESUMEN
Oncology patients often complain that their "mind does not seem to be clear." This subjective perception, sometimes referred to as "chemo brain," may be due to situational stressors, psychological disorders, organic factors, or effects of neurotoxic medications. Cognitive decline cannot only diminish quality of life, but can also interfere with a patient's ability to make decisions regarding complex treatment issues. The current study investigated the utility of using item 11 of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Screen (ZSDS) as a cognitive screen. A sample of 61 ambulatory cancer patients completed this study. Participants were recruited from four sites of Community Cancer Care, Inc., in Indiana. A battery of cognitive instruments and psychosocial inventories was administered in a standardized order. The sample had a mean age of 58.6 years and comprised 57.4% (n=35) women and 42.6% (n=26) men. Item 11 of the ZSDS was not significantly correlated to the cognitive measures. Correlates of the perception of cognitive impairment were the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS) Attention Scale (r=-0.26, P<0.05) and the ZSDS total score (r=-0.29, P<0.05). Patients' perceptions of having a cognitive impairment determined by item 11 of the ZSDS was predicted by total score on the ZSDS (F=42.5, P<0.001), age (F=26.0, P<0.001), and score on the Stroop test (F=19.8, P<0.001). Analysis of sensitivity and specificity indicated that the single-item screen used in this study is not an accurate means for identifying oncology patients with actual cognitive impairment. We conclude that while the perception of cognitive impairment is common in cancer patients, there may be problems in interpreting the nature of these complaints, particularly in separating them from depressive preoccupation.