The detection of simulated malingering using a computerized priming test

A word completion priming test was used to differentiate between normal student control subjects and students instructed to malinger. Controls (n = 60) were instructed to do their best, while malingering subjects (n = 60) were instructed to Sake a memory deficit for credit and possible financial compensation. Subjects initially rated and completed stems for words that had al least 10 possible completions. Thirty minutes Inter; subjects rated and completed stems for words that were either uniquely defined by the stem or could only be completed with a variation of the word. Simulated malingerers and controls differed significantly on response latencies (time to produce rated words-time to produce baseline words, 10 second time limit) and priming scores. Discriminant function analyses showed that as high as 92% of the controls could be correctly identified and 73% of the malingerers could be correctly identified. These results indicate that priming tests can be used in the detection of malingering. (C) 1997 National Academy of Neuropsychology.