Examining Word Choice and Test of Memory Malingering Trial 1 Cutoffs by Ethnicity, Language, Age, and Education

Recommended performance validity test (PVT) cutoffs may vary across examinee characteristics. This study evaluated Word Choice (WC) and Test of Memory Malingering Trial 1 (TOMM T1) cutoffs in a diverse clinical sample (41% Hispanic/Latino, 26% English/Spanish bilingual, education: 5-20 years). Logistic regressions examined predictors of performance using established cutoffs. Older age predicted reduced odds of WC valid performance. Higher education predicted increased odds of WC and TOMM T1 valid performance. Ethnicity and language were not statistically significant predictors. WC false positive rates were low (4.8%-6.5%) and did not differ by ethnicity or language. TOMM T1 false positives were higher in Hispanic/Latino and bilingual participants (13.5%-14.3%) compared to Non-Hispanic/Latino and monolingual participants (9%-10%); differences were nonsignificant. WC and TOMM T1 cutoffs appear appropriate for Hispanic/Latino and bilingual examinees, though caution is warranted given elevated TOMM T1 false positives and risk of misclassification in examinees with less education.