New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What does malingering refer to?

1. The act of collecting insurance fraudulently

2. The act of feigning or faking an illness

3. The act of lying under oath

4. The act of avoiding job responsibilities

The correct answer is: The act of feigning or faking an illness

Malingering specifically refers to the act of feigning or faking an illness, typically to achieve a specific goal, such as avoiding work or obtaining financial compensation. This behavior is often driven by the desire to evade responsibilities or gain benefits without a legitimate medical need. In contexts such as insurance claims or legal cases, recognizing malingering is crucial, as it can impact the validity of claims and the integrity of the evaluation process. While collecting insurance fraudulently may involve faking an illness, it encompasses a broader spectrum of fraudulent activity. Lying under oath is a separate legal issue known as perjury, which pertains to providing false testimony. Avoiding job responsibilities does not specifically involve faking an illness; it could be achieved through various methods. Thus, the notion of malingering is most accurately captured by the act of feigning or faking an illness itself.