Utilizing the Picture Memory Interference Test (PMIT) for the detection of simulated memory impairment in a monolingual male Spanish-speaking Latino sample
by Franco, Guillermo, Psy.D., ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES, 2009, 100 pages; 3368127

Abstract:

While neuropsychology tests are routinely used to assess for malingering, there is a paucity of literature concerning the monolingual Spanish-speaking community and their ability to simulate memory impairments. As a result, test scores with this population are often compared with other ethnicities that lead to mistakes in test interpretation. This study was an attempt to identify a new measure for malingering that incorporates a computerized administration and tracks and records response times. Two groups of 30 monolingual Spanish-speaking males ranging in ages from 18-49 (M=31.49) with 0-10 (M=6.40) years of education were administered the PMIT using a counterbalanced design to test for order effects. Individuals were randomly assigned into one of two groups that were different only in the sequence in which participants were instructed to malinger or take the test under normal instructions. Significant differences in total mean correct scores were found between the normal and malingering condition t(59)= -5.354, p<.01. Sensitivity and specificity rates were also calculated for various total scores. Setting specificity at ≥90%, the highest sensitivity (43%) was obtained through the use of a cut-off score of ≤146 on total correct scores (trials 1-5). Further, it was found that order of administration did not affect test performance F (1, 58) = .398 = p>.05 for the normal condition and malingering condition F (1, 58) = .518, p>.05. However, no significant differences were found between malingering and normal condition in terms of response latency periods. This study represents the first time the PMIT has been used to detect feigned memory performance. Preliminary data suggests that the PMIT may hold considerable promise for detecting exaggerated or deliberately feigned memory impairments in a clinical examination with Latino males.

 
AdviserRobert Leark
SchoolALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, LOS ANGELES
SourceDAI/B 70-07, p. , Sep 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsClinical psychology; Quantitative psychology and psychometrics; Cognitive psychology; Hispanic American studies
Publication Number3368127
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