The Use of All Three Test of Memory Malingering Trials in Establishing the Level of Effort

Abstract

Assessment of the effort level is an essential step in establishing the internal validity of any neuropsychological evaluation. The use of response bias measures as part of a core battery, however, is less common outside of forensic evaluations. The amount of time needed to administer many of these tests is often cited as a likely explanation for their exclusion from routine neuropsychological evaluations. This study examined all three trials of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in a large sample (n = 213) of inpatients on an epilepsy monitoring unit with the goal of establishing cut scores for early termination. TOMM Trial 1 demonstrated impressive diagnostic accuracy for determining both adequate and suboptimal levels of effort; various cut scores and classification statistics are presented. The optional Retention trial from the TOMM also increased the hit rate 16% in the detection of poor effort. Clinical implications, limitations, and directions for further research are discussed.