Use of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Digit Span subtest for malingering detection: A meta-analytic review

Abstract

Twenty-four studies utilizing the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Digit Span subtest—either the Reliable Digit Span (RDS) or Age-Corrected Scaled Score (DS-ACSS) variant—for malingering detection were meta-analytically reviewed to evaluate their effectiveness in detecting malingered neurocognitive dysfunction. RDS and DS-ACSS effectively discriminated between honest responders and dissimulators, with average weighted effect sizes of 1.34 and 1.08, respectively. No significant differences were found between RDS and DS-ACSS. Similarly, no differences were found between the Digit Span subtest from the WAIS or Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). Strong specificity and moderate sensitivity were observed, and optimal cutting scores are recommended.

Keywords:

• Digit span
• Malingering
• Feigning
• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third Edition
• Wechsler Memory Scale–Third Edition
• Wechsler
• Meta-analysis