Detecting Insufficient Effort Using the Seashore Rhythm and Speech-Sounds Perception Tests in Head Injury

Abstract

This study examined the capacity of the Seashore Rhythm Test (SRT) and the Speech-Sounds Perception Test (SSPT) to detect insufficient effort in a clinical sample. Forty-six participants with financially compensable mild head injury who obtained scores indicative of insufficient effort on multiple measures were compared to 49 participants with brain injury who were not involved in litigation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that both the SRT (AUC = .84) and SSPT (AUC = .80) were significant (p < .001) predictors of insufficient effort. Maximizing sensitivity and specificity, the optimal cutoff scores were 8 errors on the SRT and 10 errors on the SSPT. Combining both variables into a logistic regression function increased the diagnostic efficiency.

Notes

Note. PM = Probable malingering group. HI = Head injury comparison group. MMPI-2 = Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (2nd ed.). WAIS-R = Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Revised. RMT = Recognition Memory Test.

Note. Cutoff scores are in error score units.

Note. Cutoff scores are in error score units.

Note. SSPT = Speech Sounds Perception Test. SRT = Seashore Rhythm Test.