The detection of simulated malingering using a computerized priming test

A word completion priming test was used to differentiate between normal student control subjects and students instructed to malinger. Controls (n = 60) were instructed to do their best, while malingering subjects (n = 60) were instructed to fake a memory deficit for credit and possible financial compensation. Subjects initially rated and completed stems for words that had at least 10 possible completions. Thirty minutes later, subjects rated and completed stems for words that were either uniquely defined by the stem or could only be completed with a variation of the word. Simulated malingerers and controls differed significantly on response latencies (time to produce rated words—time to produce baseline words, 10 second time limit) and priming scores. Discriminant function analyses showed that as high as 92% of the controls could be correctly identified, and 73% of the malingerers could be correctly identified. These results indicate that priming tests can be used in the detection of malingering.