Determining Cannabis Use Status From a Photograph: An Assessment of the "Jay-dar" in Neuropsychologists.

BACKGROUND: Few studies examining the cognitive effects of chronic cannabis use utilize research designs where examiners are blind to user status. Even in those that do, researchers may be able to guess the user status of participants, leaving these studies vulnerable to the expectancy effect confound. OBJECTIVES: The present study examined the ability of neuropsychologists (those who would conduct research on the cognitive effects of cannabis) to differentiate cannabis users and nonusers based on physical appearance from photographs. METHOD: We recruited 84 participants from an international neuropsychology listserv. The sample was 59.5% female and 95.2% Caucasian, with a mean age of 41.39 years (range 26-65). Each neuropsychologist rated 25 target faces (12 cannabis users, 13 nonusers) on a Marijuana Use Likelihood Index based upon individuals' photographs. RESULTS: Results indicate a main effect of user group, as neuropsychologists ascribed higher ratings to cannabis users on the Marijuana Use Likelihood Index, suggesting they perceive them as more likely to be users, relative to nonusers. Results also demonstrated a main effect of gender, as males received higher user ratings than females, and a significant main effect of rater gender, as female raters were more likely to rate individuals as cannabis users relative to male raters. Conclusions/Importance: The results demonstrate the importance of assessing researchers' expectations when studying the effects of chronic cannabis use, as even those designs that keep examiners blind to participant user status may be vulnerable to expectancy effects if examiners are able to guess user status based upon appearance alone.

Rey 15 item test plus recognition trial and TOMM in a community pediatric sample.

In pediatric evaluations, performance validity test (PVT) selection is often constrained by reading level, developmental appropriateness of stimuli, and administration time. The Rey 15 Item Test (FIT) addresses these constraints, and ranks among the most frequently used PVTs. Unfortunately, research indicates poor sensitivity of the FIT recall trial. Boone et al. developed a FIT recognition trial and demonstrated in an adult sample that its use increased sensitivity while maintaining high specificity. These results are promising, but, to the authors' knowledge, have only been replicated once in a pediatric sample. The present study examined the FIT plus recognition trial in a sample of 72 young athletes ages 8-16 years. All data for the present study were collected during baseline cognitive evaluations. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) was used as the comparison criterion. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed the addition of the recognition trial did not substantially improve sensitivity of the FIT. There was a surprising lack of concordance between TOMM and FIT scores, and, whereas the FIT correlated with multiple cognitive measures, the TOMM did not correlate with any other measures. Results suggest the FIT is not appropriate for pediatric clinical care, even with the additional recognition trial.

Bell Ringers: Factors Related to Concussive Events in Children Playing Tackle Football.

INTRODUCTION: Sports-related concussion is a significant pediatric health risk, given the number of children involved in sports and the vulnerability of developing brains. Although most research has focused on high school/college athletes, these findings may not be applicable to younger athletes. METHOD: A mixed-methods analysis examined concussion incidence and sequelae in a cohort of 8- to 13-year-old males (N = 31) playing youth football and their parents. Parents provided background information and completed mood/behavioral questionnaires, and each athlete completed a neuropsychological battery. RESULTS: Eight athletes (26%) had a history of concussion before assessment. Concussion risk was related to lack of medical evaluation in prior concussions, tackling exposure (in both offensive and defensive positions), and multisport participation. There were no cognitive or psychological differences based on concussion history. DISCUSSION: Findings identify factors that may contribute to concussion risk in children and show the need for further research in this understudied population.

Adherence to Validity Testing Recommendations in Neuropsychological Assessment: A Survey of INS and NAN Members.

OBJECTIVE: The National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) has published recommendations for best validity testing practices, as has the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychologists (AACN) in their review of critical issues in the field. However, surveys show not all neuropsychologists follow these recommendations consistently. Examiner characteristics (e.g., training history) and current practice characteristics (e.g., type of practice setting) may affect systematic adherence to these recommendations. Further, previous surveys focused on distinct countries or continents rather than an international sample. This study sought to provide better understanding of examiner factors that contribute to recommendation adherence and identify opportunities for improving validity testing training and practice. METHOD: A sample of 654 NAN and International Neuropsychological Society (INS) neuropsychologists responded to online survey questions about their demographic, training, and practice characteristics, as well as validity testing practices. RESULTS: Findings indicate that neuropsychologists from other countries generally adhere to NAN and AACN recommendations as closely as United States neuropsychologists. Across all neuropsychologists, those who work with pediatric and geriatric populations do not follow recommendations as consistently as those who work with adults, despite research supporting that recommendations should be followed with all patients. Neuropsychologists who have been practicing longer were also less likely to adhere to recommendations, suggesting that continuing education would be beneficial even for more experienced neuropsychologists. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the need for continued training on the importance of validity testing practices across different countries and all assessment settings, and identify groups of neuropsychologists to whom training could be targeted to maximize effectiveness.