Portland Digit Recognition Test Performance by Brain Dysfunction Patients without Financial Incentives

Abstract

The Portland Digit Recognition Test (PDRT) is a neuropsychological measure of motivation. In an extension of previous work, we report PDRT data on 120 patients with brain dysfunction who had no financial incentives for their performance. Percentile distributions, sensitivity and specificity data, and cognitive and demographic correlates are reported. Age, race, and etiology of brain dysfunction (traumatic or nontraumatic) were unrelated to PDRT performance. Education level was significantly related to PDRT scores. Although IQ and verbal memory performance were related to PDRT scores, the PDRT cutoff scores appear valid for brain dysfunction patients with severe cognitive dysfunction.