Reliable Digit Span: a systematic review and cross-validation study

Assessment. 2012 Mar;19(1):21-30. doi: 10.1177/1073191111428764. Epub 2011 Dec 6.

Abstract

Reliable Digit Span (RDS) is a heavily researched symptom validity test with a recent literature review yielding more than 20 studies ranging in dates from 1994 to 2011. Unfortunately, limitations within some of the research minimize clinical generalizability. This systematic review and cross-validation study was conducted to address these limitations, thus increasing the measure's clinical utility. Sensitivity and specificity rates were calculated for the ≤6 and ≤7 cutoffs when data were globally combined and divided by clinical groups. The cross-validation of specific diagnostic groups was consistent with the data reported in the literature. Overall, caution should be used when utilizing the ≤7 cutoff in all clinical groups and when utilizing the ≤6 cutoff in the following groups: cerebrovascular accident, severe memory disorders, mental retardation, borderline intellectual functioning, and English as a second language. Additional limitations and cautions are provided.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Bayes Theorem
  • Brain Injuries / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Humans
  • Malingering / diagnosis*
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Neuropsychological Tests*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity