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Two methods of segmented regression analysis for estimating transition points were evaluated. Regression analysis is used in modeling to determine the value at which change occurs due to a threshold reached by one variable. The methods are presented by applying them to data derived from experiments on hypoglycemia, testosterone and cortisol. Transition points for each set of data were estimated.

Malingering, which is defined as purposeful underperformance on cognitive impairment tests, can be a problem among people who have brought suits in which psychological harm is claimed. The results of a battery of psychological tests given to 154 people who had made psychiatric disability claims indicated that roughly one-eighth of the group were faking the condition they claimed. Each of the administered tests, which included Dot Counting, memorization, and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI), yielded different malingering rates.

We obtained Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) scores on 91 (35 male and 56 female) healthy, well-educated individuals aged 45 to 83. Women scored better than men on six WCST scores (categories, errors, perseverative responses, % perseverative errors, % conceptual level responses, and trials to first category), while subjects with more than 16 years of education outscored those limited to high school education on four measures (perseverative responses, errors, % perseverative errors, % conceptual level responses). Individuals older than 70 years of age scored less well than younger subjects on only two indices (errors, % conceptual level responses). Full Scale IQ was not related to WCST scores. Our findings suggest that WCST scores should be interpreted within the context of patient gender, education, and age.

Abstract Background Meta-analysis is often considered to be a simple way to summarize the existing literature. In this paper we describe how a meta-analysis resembles a conventional study, requiring a written protocol with design elements that parallel those of a record review. Methods The paper provides a structure for creating a meta-analysis protocol. Some guidelines for measurement of the quality of papers are given. A brief overview of statistical considerations is included. Four papers are reviewed as examples. The examples generally followed the guidelines we specify in reporting the studies and results, but in some of the papers there was insufficient information on the meta-analysis process. Conclusions Meta-analysis can be a very useful method to summarize data across many studies, but it requires careful thought, planning and implementation.

The relationship between apparent faking of cognitive impairment (as detected by such ‘malingering’ tests as 15-item. Memorization and Dot Counting) and faking of psychiatric symptoms has not been investigated formally. In addition, no empirical literature is available on the relationship between personality traits and faking of cognitive symptoms. Of 154 subjects who claimed ‘stress’ psychiatric injury, 12% appeared to be faking cognitive impairment; 4.5% failed the 15-item Memorization Test, and 10% failed the Dot Counting task. Faking of cognitive symptoms occurred in only 23% of subjects who were faking/exaggerating psychological symptoms on the MCMI. Malingering test failure was associated with significant elevations of attempts to fake/exaggerate on the MCMI, rather than a reflection of ‘true’ personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]