# Dynamic Testing in a Heterogeneous Clinical Sample: A Feasibility Study

## TL;DR

This study tested a computerized reasoning test in psychiatric patients and found it feasible but with some limitations.

## Contribution

The study explores the feasibility of integrating dynamic analogical reasoning tests into clinical neuropsychological assessments.

## Key findings

- Test administration time varied significantly and 22% of data was lost due to dropouts or technical issues.
- Test-retest reliability was acceptable to good across groups.
- A statistical trend suggested possible training effectiveness but no significant difference compared to the control group.

## Abstract

This study evaluated the feasibility of including a computerized dynamic test of analogical reasoning in standard neuropsychological assessments in a heterogeneous psychiatric population. The participants were 40 adult patients (Mage = 33.15 ± 12.27, range 19–68; 60% male) enrolled in specialized mental health and forensic care programs in The Netherlands, who were randomly assigned into either a training, a passive, or a control group. A pretest–training–posttest paradigm was used for the training group, and the dynamic test consisted of 26 items of the A:B::C:? type. In terms of practical use, it was found that the administration time varied largely, and 22% of the data was lost due to drop out or technical malfunctions. Test–retest reliability was acceptable for the training group (r = 0.61) and good for the practice and control groups (resp. r = 0.88 and 0.80). A statistical trend was observed for the training vs. practice group (Z = −1.598, p = 0.055), but not for the training vs. control group (Z = −0.839, p = 0.201). It was concluded that an indication of training effectiveness was found; however, in this clinical sample, the applicability of the current form of the dynamic test is still limited. Several modification options are discussed.