The Continuous Validity Monitor (CVM): A Dimensional Approach to Performance Validity Testing

Performance validity testing is a standard component of neuropsychological assessment, yet existing methods treat what is theoretically a continuous construct as a categorical, single-timepoint outcome. This paper introduces the Continuous Validity Monitor (CVM), a brief measure of performance validity as a multidimensional, time-varying latent construct. The CVM’s construction is designed around four factors. These factors are measured using short probes in modules throughout a psychological evaluation. Each module produces subscale scores that are then aggregated into a composite score. The temporal trajectory of performance is measured throughout, providing an assessment of fluctuations in effort. The CVM is designed to be battery-agnostic and demographically fair. It will be made to be passable for individuals with severe cognitive impairment. I describe the theoretical foundations of each factor and a theorized scoring framework. I also outline a five-phase validation strategy for the CVM.