Assessing response validity in college students’ self-reported academic impairment

= 236). Results suggested that simulators could convincingly feign ADHD and academic impairment with little preparation. Standard scores for simulators on measures of ADHD symptoms and academic impairment were significantly higher than controls and in the elevated range. The AIM response validity scale differentiated simulators from all honest participants (AUC = .88) and participants with ADHD (AUC = .82). A cut score differentiated simulators and participants with ADHD yielding a sensitivity of 0.48, specificity of 0.91, positive predictive power of 0.49 and negative predictive power of 0.91 assuming a noncredible base rate of 15%. The AIM may be an efficient means of assessing academic impairment and response validity in students with suspected nonapparent disabilities. It can be used by neuropsychologists to facilitate the diagnostic process, to tailor accommodations to students' specific academic limitations, and to monitor their effectiveness over time.

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Publication Details

Journal
Applied Neuropsychology Adult
Published
2026-04-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/23279095.2026.2662389
Primary Topic
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Assessing response validity in college students’ self-reported academic impairment

Robert Weis, Reese Costenbader
Applied Neuropsychology Adult
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
article

Assessing response validity in college students’ self-reported academic impairment

Robert Weis, Reese Costenbader
article en

Abstract

= 236). Results suggested that simulators could convincingly feign ADHD and academic impairment with little preparation. Standard scores for simulators on measures of ADHD symptoms and academic impairment were significantly higher than controls and in the elevated range. The AIM response validity scale differentiated simulators from all honest participants (AUC = .88) and participants with ADHD (AUC = .82). A cut score differentiated simulators and participants with ADHD yielding a sensitivity of 0.48, specificity of 0.91, positive predictive power of 0.49 and negative predictive power of 0.91 assuming a noncredible base rate of 15%. The AIM may be an efficient means of assessing academic impairment and response validity in students with suspected nonapparent disabilities. It can be used by neuropsychologists to facilitate the diagnostic process, to tailor accommodations to students' specific academic limitations, and to monitor their effectiveness over time.

Applied Neuropsychology Adult
Denison University (US)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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