Victoria Symptom Validity Test: Cutoff Scores for Psychometrically Defined Malingering Groups in a Military Sample

Abstract

The Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT) is one of the least widely used tests to assess performance validity on tests of neurocognitive functioning, but a meta-analysis has suggested that it is one of the more effective validity tests. The current research examined cutoffs for several different scores derived from the VSVT in an active duty military sample composed primarily of mild TBI patients. The results are consistent with previous research and provide additional evidence that much higher cutoffs scores than originally recommended for the VSVT by the developers based on binomial probability theory can produce excellent classification and diagnostic statistics when a psychometrically defined non-malingering group is compared with two psychometrically defined malingering groups (Probable and Probable to Definite). The utility of the difference score between the Easy and Hard Items is supported by this research. The results also indicate that reaction times have some utility, but they are constrained by a lack of sensitivity.

Keywords:

• Victoria Symptom Validity Test
• VSVT
• Military sample
• Malingering.

View correction statement:

Corrigendum

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research was approved through the Institutional Review Board at Womack Army Medical Center.

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.