Use of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Digit Span subtest for malingering detection: a meta-analytic review

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2011 Mar;33(3):300-14. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2010.516743.

Abstract

Twenty-four studies utilizing the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) Digit Span subtest--either the Reliable Digit Span (RDS) or Age-Corrected Scaled Score (DS-ACSS) variant--for malingering detection were meta-analytically reviewed to evaluate their effectiveness in detecting malingered neurocognitive dysfunction. RDS and DS-ACSS effectively discriminated between honest responders and dissimulators, with average weighted effect sizes of 1.34 and 1.08, respectively. No significant differences were found between RDS and DS-ACSS. Similarly, no differences were found between the Digit Span subtest from the WAIS or Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS). Strong specificity and moderate sensitivity were observed, and optimal cutting scores are recommended.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Databases, Bibliographic / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intelligence / physiology*
  • Male
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Malingering / psychology
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Wechsler Scales*