Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

David Yells

Abstract

This study used subtests of the WAIS-IV to detect evidence of malingering. Developing reliable tests for malingering could significantly reduce costs paid to malingering individuals. A within-group known-group design was used. There were 3 known-group conditions. The first group (G1) was instructed to take the tests honestly. The second group (G2) was asked to fake a cognitive disability while taking the tests. The third group (G3) took the tests while undergoing the cold-pressor method (hand immersed in cold water) of inducing pain. Analysis of variance was performed. That analysis appeared to have significant differences; post hock Bonferroni testing was done. The G2 scores were significantly different from the G1 and G3 scores. Dependent variables were participants' group scores on Digit-Span and Block-Design subtests of the WAIS- IV. Independent variables were the testing conditions: honest, malingering or laboratory-induced pain. Outcome variables were the score differences within known-group conditions. The outcome variable score differences in this study supported Digit-Span and Block-Design as tests of mental malingering. Positive social change comes through adding an additional Test of Mental Malingering (TOMM) used to aid in detection of those trying to fake cognitive difficulties based on pain symptoms, reducing the associated costs to members of society paying higher costs for healthcare, and for government paying unnecessary compensation benefits to those who are malingering who do not deserve it.

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