Factor Analysis of the MSVT, NV-MSVT, and RBANS Memory Subtests

OBJECTIVE: The current investigation sought to define the relationship between established performance validity tests and measures of memory via a factor analytic strategy first published by Heyanka, Thaler, Linck, Pastorek, Miller, Romesser, & Sim (2015). A Factor analytic approach to the validation of the Word Memory Test and Test of Memory Malingering as measures of effort and not memory. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 30, 369-376. METHOD: The full range of Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) and Non-Verbal Medical Symptom Validity Test (NV-MSVT) subtests were factor analyzed with the memory scales of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) in a sample of 346 service members with a history of concussion. RESULTS: A two-factor solution was extracted with the MSVT and NV-MSVT effort and paired associate subtests loading on one factor and the RBANS subtests loading on a second factor. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the conclusion that the effort subtests of the MSVT and NV-MSVT tap a different construct from established memory measures.