Rey 15 item test plus recognition trial and TOMM in a community pediatric sample

Abstract

In pediatric evaluations, performance validity test (PVT) selection is often constrained by reading level, developmental appropriateness of stimuli, and administration time. The Rey 15 Item Test (FIT) addresses these constraints, and ranks among the most frequently used PVTs. Unfortunately, research indicates poor sensitivity of the FIT recall trial. Boone et al. developed a FIT recognition trial and demonstrated in an adult sample that its use increased sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. These results are promising, but, to the authors’ knowledge, have only been replicated once in a pediatric sample. The present study examined the FIT plus recognition trial in a sample of 72 young athletes ages 8–16 years. All data for the present study were collected during baseline cognitive evaluations. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) was used as the comparison criterion. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed the addition of the recognition trial did not substantially improve sensitivity of the FIT. There was a surprising lack of concordance between TOMM and FIT scores, and, whereas the FIT correlated with multiple cognitive measures, the TOMM did not correlate with any other measures. Results suggest the FIT is not appropriate for pediatric clinical care, even with the additional recognition trial.