Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

This project represents a descriptive analysis of Forms I and II of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery and an investigation of the applicability of Item Response Theory in neuropsychological assessment. Test protocols of 1280 Form I examinees and 405 Form II examinees were analyzed by item and scale using Item Response Theory. The analysis consisted of investigation of the fit of LNNB data to the one and two-parameter IRT models, analysis of item and scale residuals and information values, comparison of traditional and IRT approaches in derivation of the Pathognomonic, Right Hemisphere and Left Hemisphere scales and comparison of two IRT approaches to the identification of biased items. In general, the one-parameter model did not fit the LNNB data. The two-parameter model, however provided a generally good fit to the data. Scale residuals and information functions indicate that the LNNB scales are unidimensional and accurately measure their underlying pyschological constructs. Item analysis identified several items on each scale that do not contribute to the measurement of the scalar trait. Suggestions were made for deletion, relocation or alteration of these items to improve their measurement properties. Substantial differences were found between Form I and Form II based on item characteristic curves and b-value differences. The nature of these differences suggested that the size and ability distribution of the Form II sample may have prevented accurate parameter estimation, obscuring the comparison of the two forms of the battery. A number of items on the Pathognomonic, right Hemisphere and Left Hemisphere scales were identified that contribute little to the measurement properties of these scales. Additional items not on these scales, were identified that are candidates for inclusion on these scales. Comparison of the statistical tests of b-value differences with ICC differences, for identification of potentially biased items, suggests that the latter method may be more efficacious in the neuropsychological domain. It is concluded that the LNNB is an accurate and content valid test of neuropsychological abilities; that IRT methods could improve the measurement properties of the scales and that ICC differences are an effective approach to item bias detection.

The present study compared the responses of a group of simulating malingerers who were offered a monetary incentive to feign symptoms of a head injury, with the responses of head injured groups both with and without litigation, a forensic parole group, and an honest-responding control group. The following six neuropsychological measures were utilized: Rey 15-Item Memory Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Finger Oscillation Test, WAIS-R Neuropsychological Instrument (Vocabulary, Information, and Similarities subtests), Booklet Category Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. The statistical concepts of floor effect, performance curve, and magnitude of error were examined. Additionally, the statistical differences in the responses of the five groups were analyzed to determine cutting scores for use in distinguishing malingerers from nonmalingerers.

The distinction of positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia was examined in relation to demographic, clinical and neuropsychological measures.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of California, San Diego and San Diego State University, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-129).

published_or_final_version / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Clinical psychology is a discipline that assesses and treats individuals experiencing a variety of psychological disorders; including brain injuries. Employing neuroimaging tools can reveal biological correlates that have not been previously studied in detail. The quantitative electroencephalograph (QEEG) is a dynamic neuroimaging tool that allows for the measurement of brain activity. QEEG source localization analysis has provided additional construct validity for neuropsychological tests by revealing increased activation in the associated brain regions. In addition, differences in resting brain activity have been found depending on the severity of neuropsychological impairment. Finally, enhancement of memory in normal individuals is shown by applying a weak physiologically-patterned electromagnetic field over the left hemisphere. Therefore, by integrating the QEEG with elements of clinical psychology it is possible to provide construct validity to neuropsychological tests, show differences in brain activation depending on the severity of neuropsychological impairment, and study emerging therapeutic techniques that could enhance memory.

Neuropsychologists are increasingly asked to determine whether a patient may be malingering symptoms of a mild closed head injury. This issue is particularly salient within the context of civil litigation and the potential of significant financial awards. Patients' performances on neuropsychological tests have historically been assumed to accurately reflect their abilities and deficits. Optimal motivation and performance cannot be automatically assumed within the context of litigation. Moreover, comorbid anxiety and depression are frequently present in head injury patients and adversely affect the patient's performance.The frequent comorbidity of psychiatric and medical symptoms complicates interpretation of a patient's neuropsychological evaluation whether or not the patient is involved in litigation. This comorbidity may result in an inaccurate diagnosis, thus delaying treatment potentially causing greater harm to the patient.The present study was conducted to expand previous research that discriminated between simulated malingered and neurological patient responses to a neuropsychological self-report inventory. Additionally, the study investigated the, utility of the Neuropsychological Symptom Inventory in discriminating between simulated medical, psychiatric and malingered patient responses. Results indicated that the NSI was able to discriminate malingered responses from medical and psychiatric patient responses. However, applying a lie scale derived from previous research with the NSI did not allow discrimination between the malingered group and the psychiatric patients. Use of a factor solution derived from earlier research may offer not only greater prediction in detection of malingerers, but also evaluation of symptom profiles of medical and psychiatric patients. The NSI may provide an efficient screen for exaggerated symptoms as well as an indication of the level of general neuropsychological functioning of the patient when included in a neuropsychological evaluation. / Department of Educational Psychology

The present research concerned the validation of a neuropsychological screening measure. In a series of investigations the reliability, predictive validity and factor structure of the Ball Neuropsychological Screening Measure (BNSM) were examined.Such procedures were considered essential to investigate the utility of the BNSM.In a two part study, the reliability of the BNSM was investigated (Study 1). First, an attempt was made to determine BNSM test-retest reliability with the finding that subtest means on test and retest were too similar to permit interpretation. In the second portion of Study 1 the internal consistency of the BNSM was examined by computing Cronbach's alphas. The BNSM was found to have high internal consistency, producing an overall alpha coefficient of .951.A discriminant analysis was performed in study 2 to examine the utility of the BNSM in discriminating between normal and impaired adults.The BNSM was found to be highly accurate in this regard, achieving an overall correct placement prediction rate of 96%. Study 3 looked at the utility of the BNSM in correctly predicting lateralization of brain Impairment.The BNSM successfully predicted placement into three groups (Normals, Right-Hemispheric Impairment, LeftHemispheric Impairment) with 95% overall accuracy. Finally, the factor structure of the BNSM was examined in Study 4. Utilizing a varimax rotation, a two factor solution was found to account for 66.8% of the total variance. / Department of Educational Psychology