Forensic neuropsychology studies usually address either cognitive
effort or psychological response validity. Whether these are distinct
constructs is unclear. In 122 participants evaluated in a
compensation-seeking context, the present Exploratory Factor Analysis
examined whether forced-choice cognitive effort measures (Victoria Symptom
Validity Test, Test of Memory Malingering, Letter Memory Test) and
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Second Edition (MMPI-2)
validity scales (L, F, K, FBS,
Fp, RBS, Md, Dsr2, S) load on
independent factors. Regardless of factor rotation strategy (orthogonal or
oblique), four response validity factors emerged by means of both
Principal Components Analysis (82.7% total variance) and Principal-Axis
Factor Analysis (74.1% total variance). The four factors were designated
as follows: Factor I, with large loadings from L, K, and
S—underreporting of psychological symptoms; Factor II, with
large loadings from FBS, RBS, and
Md—overreporting of neurotic symptoms; Factor III, with
large loadings from VSVT, TOMM, and LMT—insufficient cognitive
effort; and Factor IV, with the largest loadings from F,
Fp, and Dsr2—overreporting of psychotic/rarely
endorsed symptoms. Results reflect the heterogeneity of response validity
in forensic samples referred for neuropsychological evaluation.
Administration of both cognitive effort measures and psychological
validity scales is imperative to accurate forensic neuropsychological
assessment. (JINS, 2007, 13, 440–449.)