A-204 Cross-Validation of the Dot Counting Test in a Nonclinical Sample

Abstract

Abstract Objective Studies have indicated that nonclinical participants in neuropsychological research do not always perform validly on testing (e.g., An, Zakzanis, & Joordens, 2012). As such, we cross-validated a brief yet well-researched performance validity test, the Dot Counting Test (DCT), in a validly performing nonclinical sample. Method Participants were 50 college students (mean age = 19.92; mean education = 14.10) who completed a neuropsychological test battery under the instruction to provide their best effort on all tests. Freestanding performance validity tests included the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and DCT. To ensure that only valid participants were included in the study, it was required that participants pass all examined TOMM validity indices (i.e., Trial 1, Trial 2, Retention, Albany Consistency Index, and Invalid Forgetting Frequency Index; no participant failed any of these indices). Results The first DCT E-score cutoff at which 90% specificity was obtained was > 13. At a cutoff of > 17 (a previously established clinical group cutoff), 98% specificity was obtained. At a cutoff of > 21, 100% specificity was obtained. Conclusions Results cross-validate the DCT for use in a nonclinical sample. Multiple cutoffs are reported, along with corresponding specificity rates. Researchers can now choose the cutoff, which corresponds to their desired specificity rate, to use in nonclinical research studies to help ensure that invalidly performing participants are excluded from future research.