Reanalysis of an actuarial approach to neuropsychological diagnosis in consideration of base rates

Reanalyzed 5 investigations to determine significant differences between base rates (expected hit rates for separate criterion groups and maximum-chance criteria for combined criterion groups). Findings show that the greater the base rates for the diffuse-lesion groups, the less accurate the actuarial rule became in terms of classification to that neuropsychological diagnostic category. Incorporating base-rate data into existing neuropsychological diagnostic procedures is recommended. (7 ref)