Detecting feigned neuropsychological impairment with the Seashore Rhythm Test

Sixty undergraduate subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups and completed the Seashore Rhythm Test (SRT) as part of an investigation regarding simulated neuropsychological impairment. A sophisticated simulator group was instructed to feign impairment and was provided information regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) sequelae. A naive simulator group was instructed to feign impairment, but was given no such information. A control group was instructed to perform optimally. Additionally, SRT scores for 20 TBI subjects who completed neuropsychological evaluations were analyzed. Mean SRT scores for the sophisticated and naive simulators did not differ but were significantly lower when compared to control subjects and TB subjects. A discriminate function analysis cutting score correctly classified 79% of subjects, while classification rates obtained with two previously investigated cutting scores were 64% and 72%. Implications of using these curling scores are discussed. The findings indicate the SRT is a useful indicator of feigned neurological impairment. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.