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Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM)
Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM)
| Availability |
Please visit this website for more information about the instrument: Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM)
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| Classification |
NeuroRehab Supplemental - Highly Recommended
Recommendations for Use: Indicated for studies requiring a performance validity test for possible exaggeration of feigning of memory problems.
It is not recommended for use in individuals whose vision is not sufficient to see the stimuli.
Supplemental: Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) Subacute (after 72 hours to 3 months), Persistent/Chronic (3 months and greater post concussion), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Exploratory: Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) Acute (time of injury until 72 hours)
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| Short Description of Instrument |
The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) is a widely used test designed to assess symptom/performance validity. It has three trials of 50-items each. Pictures of objects are presented serially to the patient. Following the learning trials, the patient must choose the drawings previously shown in the learning trials.
The test should be administered by trained examiners and can be given by booklet or via computer. Administration time is 15 to 20 minutes for standard administration, plus another 5 to 10 minutes if the optional retention trial is administered.
Age Range: 6-16 years and older
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| Comments/Special Instructions |
The TOMM has norms and is used commonly. Trial 1 of the TOMM can be administered as a stand-alone brief version.
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| Psychometric Properties |
The presentation of 50 pictures provides the TOMM instrument with good face validity as a test of learning and memory, decreasing its transparency as an assessment of malingering. One of the limitations of most malingering tests is the patient's ability to determine the purpose of the evaluation. In research studies, subjects did not suspect that the objective of the TOMM instrument was to detect malingering.
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| Scoring |
Hand Scoring is used with one point given for each right answer in both phases of the test. Scores range from 0-50.
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| Scoring and Psychometric Properties |
Scoring: Hand Scoring is used with one point given for each right answer in both phases of the test. Scores for each trial range from 0-50. Cut-off scores are detailed in the test manual.
Psychometric Properties: The presentation of 50 pictures provides the TOMM instrument with good face validity as a test of learning and memory, decreasing its transparency as an assessment of malingering. One of the limitations of most performance validity tests is the patient's ability to determine the purpose of the evaluation. In research studies, subjects did not suspect that the objective of the TOMM instrument was to detect malingering.
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| Rationale/Justification |
Sport-Related Concussion Specific:
Strengths: the TOMM instrument has good face validity as a test of learning and memory, decreasing its transparency as an assessment of malingering.
Limitations: Not examined in sport related concussion. Non-verbal memory. Paper and pencil or computer-based. Longer than embedded measures of performance validity.
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| References |
Donders J. Performance on the test of memory malingering in a mixed pediatric sample. Child Neuropsychol. 2005;11(2):221-227.
Lange RT, Iverson GL, Brooks BL, Rennison VL. Influence of poor effort on self-reported symptoms and neurocognitive test performance following mild traumatic brain injury. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2010;32(9):961-972.
Martin PK, Schroeder RW, Olsen DH, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the Test of Memory Malingering in adults: Two decades of deception detection. Clin Neuropsychol. 2020;34(1):88-119.
Rees LM, Tombaugh TN, Gansler DA, Moczynski NP. Five validation experiments of the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM). Psychological Assessment. 1998;10(1):10-20.
Teichner G, Wagner MT. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM): normative data from cognitively intact, cognitively impaired, and elderly patients with dementia. Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2004;19(3):455-464.
Tombaugh, TN. (1996). Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM). New York: Multi-Health Systems, Inc.
Tombaugh TN. The Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM): Normative data from cognitively intact and cognitively impaired individuals. Psychological Assessment. 1997;9(3):260-268.
Document last updated January 2022
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