Detecting Concealed Information using the Medial Frontal Negativity

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K23394
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0110:Psychology and related fields
• Research Institution: Kwansei Gakuin University
• Principal Investigator: ORTHEY Robin 関西学院大学, 文学研究科, 博士研究員 (80844456)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: P300 / MFN / FRN / Malingering / Forced Choice Test / 2AFCT

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The Forced Choice Test (FCT) can be used as a clinical tool to detect fabricated cognitive symptoms, for example fake memory loss or deafness. However, it does not detect feigners who intentionally randomise their response pattern in this test. My objective was to find novel criteria sensitive to this behaviour in order to improve the overall diagnostic accuracy of the FCT. In this project, I examined the utility of the Medial Frontal Negativity (MFN), Feedback Related Negativity (FRN) and the P300 brain waves. The MFN is an indicator of response conflict, which could occur when malingerers make mistakes on purpose. The FRN and P300 occur when the examinee is presented with feedback on their performance, both could be reduced in malingerers. I demonstrate over two experiments that the MFN does not have diagnostic value in this context. However, the P300 and FRN can detect feigned performance and can be elicited in practice by including trial based feedback to the FCT.

Free Research Field

Psychology & Neuroscience

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

A malingering test is used to detect fake psychological or cognitive symptoms. It is needed to ensure the credibility of psychological assessment. I demonstrate a way to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the Forced Choice Test by including trial based feedback and measuring the corresponding P300.