Abstract Rey's (1964) Fifteen-Item Test (FIT) and the Hiscock Forced-Choice Procedure (HFCP; Hiscock & Hiscock, 1989) are two assessment methods that are reported to be sensitive in detecting malingered amnesia. This study compared the FIT with an abbreviated version of the Hiscock Forced-Choice Procedure (A-HFCP) in detecting simulated memory impairment by administering these two procedures to a group of nonlitigating individuals with moderate to severe brain damage (n=20), depressed psychiatric inpatients (n=20), and a group of normals asked to fake believable memory impairment as a result of brain damage (n=20). On the FIT, the brain-damaged group recalled significantly fewer items than the remaining two groups and fewer rows than the psychiatric patients. Using a cutoff of seven or less items correct, 40% of the braindamaged group and 20% of the psychiatric group would have been classified as possible malingerers. In contrast, only 5% of the simulators fell in the “malingering” range. When comparisons...

Abstract This report describes a qualitative scoring method for the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) that provides scores for fragmentation, planning, organization, presence and accuracy of various features, placement, size distortions, perseveration, confabulation, rotation, neatness, symmetry, and immediate and delayed retention. Interrater reliability is reported for productions drawn by 60 adolescents and adults. Each production received 16 initial scores based on specific criteria. Six additional summary scores were then calculated using scores from all three conditions (i.e., copy, immediate, and delayed recalls). Kappa statistics and intraclass correlations indicated excellent interrater reliability. In sum, the Boston Qualitative Scoring System for the ROCF appears to be a highly reliable and informative method for scoring this widely used instrument.

Abstract A longitudinal examination of the comparability of two alternate versions of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was undertaken on a large (N = 3,509), multiregional, healthy male sample. Significant differences were noted between the test scores of the two forms, both upon initial and longitudinal administration, with higher test scores generally being associated with the original version, and higher recall scores being associated with the alternate version. Due to these differences, it is recommended that comparisons between the forms be made only with standardized scores based on test-specific norms, such as those provided in the present study. It was determined that no significant practice effects were noted over the 2-year retest period, demonstrating the relatively stability of the two versions across time. Finally, the demographic characteristics of age, and estimated IQ were demonstrated to be significantly associated with test performance, emphasizing the importance of the stratification of normative data by these variables in interpreting SDMT performance.

Abstract Subtypes of WISC-R subtest patterns were explored statistically in a sample of 96 children with traumatic brain injury. Four subtypes were identified by cluster analysis. Differences in level of performance as well as differences in pattern of performance contributed to the clustering process. Level of performance was meaningfully related to both premorbid variables and to length of coma. Several subtest patterns were found that did not resemble any of the subtypes known to be prevalent in the WISC-R standardization sample, suggesting that these patterns may be clinically significant in children with traumatic brain injury. Support for the reliability and validity of the clusters, as well as clinical and research implications, are discussed.

Abstract Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered as a part of a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery to 50 inpatient and outpatient male veterans (M = 52 years) with diagnoses of neurologic, alcoholic, and psychiatric conditions. Tests were scored blindly by two trained examiners and kappa values were reported for Logical Memory text, and individual scoring criteria for Visual Reproductions. Almost perfect interrater agreement beyond chance was generally observed, thus replicating excellent interrater reliability obtained from a healthy normative sample. Mild variability (moderate agreement) on individual items is discussed.