Use of the Multiple Errands Test – Simplified Version in the assessment of suboptimal effort

Abstract

Most measures of suboptimal effort focus on short-term learning; fewer studies have considered non-memory feigned cognitive impairment. This study investigated the utility of the Multiple Errands Test – Simplified Version (MET-SV) in the detection of feigned executive functioning impairment. Performance of simulating malingerers (N = 47) was compared to acquired brain injury (N = 46) and neurologically healthy control groups (N = 50). Although simulating malingerers were successful at feigning a realistic level of impairment compared to the brain injury group, there were significant differences regarding pattern of performance. A logistic regression model successfully classified 84% of simulating malingerers and 74.5% of brain injured individuals. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis supported the discriminatory power of the model. The current study is unique in yielding some understanding of the real-life observation of suspected malingerers compared to individuals with genuine cognitive difficulties. Results suggest the MET-SV can contribute to the clinical assessment of individuals suspected of suboptimal effort in the domain of executive functioning. Further research is needed to establish whether the MET-SV can be reliably used in medico-legal settings.

Keywords:

• Malingering
• Suboptimal effort
• Executive function
• MET-SV