Abstract
The purpose of this study is to introduce and bring into the clinical practice new screening tool Coin in the Hand Test for detection of simulating disability or weak results in psychological assessment. Aim: The goal of this study was to define the maximal performance in a general and clinical population and to determine the extent to which participants in experimental group are capable of faking weakened performance so that this fraud would not be recognized.
Material and methods: The test Coin in the Hand Test was studied on a non-psychiatric group of participants (N = 153) to determine the ability to adapt to three different scenarios: 1 = the best possible performance; 2 = acquiring disability pension; 3 = prolonging sick leave. In the second study the test was administered individually to a group of hospitalized psychiatric patients.
Results: The performance score for each scenario significantly differed suggesting to a good ability of experimental group to adapt to the instruction. The mean performance score for the maximal performance was close to the maximum of 10 points (M = 9,98; SD = 0,13; 9- 10), while for the serious faking it was the lowest (M = 4,87; SD = 2,37; 0-10).
Score for moderate faking was found in between the previous two values (M = 6,85; SD = 1,72; 1-10). The results of the individual assessment done on a group of psychiatric patients corresponded with the results of the group with a scenario for the best possible performance.
Conclusion: The presented very good ability to differentiate between faking and honest individuals is an encouragement for inclusion of this test into the clinical practice.