Date of Award

1-1-2013

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

College/School/Department

Department of Psychology

Program

Clinical Psychology

Content Description

1 online resource (viii, 102 pages)

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Robert J McCaffrey

Committee Members

Julie K Lynch, Drew Anderson

Keywords

California Verbal Learning Test-II, Conation, Halstead Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Third party observer, Neuropsychological tests, Will, Observation (Psychology), Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery, Third parties (Law)

Subject Categories

Psychology

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of third party observation with a one-way mirror on tests that differ in conative load from the Halstead Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRNB). Additionally, the California Verbal Learning Test- II (CVLT-II) was examined, as this is a popular measure of memory with which the effects of third party observation is unknown. Examinees (n=93) were recruited from an undergraduate research pool of a large State University. All were administered the Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Digit Span from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale- 3rd edition, Trail Making Test A and B, CVLT-II, and the Category Test (CT). Participants were randomized to two conditions: 48 were observed by a third party behind a one-way mirror and 45 had only the examiner present. Performance validity was assessed using the MSVT, Reliable Digit Span, and CVLT-II forced choice recognition. All participants were identified as putting forth valid performance. Analyses revealed no significant differences in performance on any the measures between the two conditions. Gender was found to have a significant effect on scores on FTT-dominant hand, FTT-nondominant hand, and Trails B from the HRNB, and List B from the CVLT-II. This study found no effects of third party observation with the use of a one-way mirror on tests of varying conative load from the HRNB or on six indices of the CVLT-II. Implications for forensic practice are addressed.

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