Running head: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ARTICLE SUMMARY
Psychological Assessment Article Summary
Shane Fife
Regent University
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Psychological Assessment Article Summary
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Psychological Assessment Article Summary
The MMPI has been subject to more scrutiny than any other self-report measurement in
psychology (Butcher & Rouse, in press). This article seeks to summarize two articles concerning
the MMPI-2 and MMPI-2-RF. The first article discusses the problems and issues in all three tests
(MMPI, MMPI-2, and MMPI-2-RF) when faced with mythological studies. The second article
discusses the predictive validity for the MMPI-2 for female offenders in a residential treatment
program.
Methodological Problems and Issues in MMPI, MMPI-2, and MMPI-2 Research
Butcher, Graham, & Ben-Porath (1995) discuss at length the issues and limitations of
MMPI research. A small summary will not do this article justice, but provides a brief overview
on the discourse of MMPI research. Continuity between MMPI-2 and MMPI is relatively easy.
Simply dropping items that are not on the second test can suffice a good conversion. For
researchers wanting to compare scores between these tests, the MMPI-2 manual provides
conversion tables. Sample composition is second to be debated. Most data collected are from
clinical settings in university settings. These are mostly convenient samples, e.g., undergraduate
students. The problem is representativeness to the general population. Although not a major flaw,
convenience samples are limited. Therefore, most research must wait long enough until there is
significant cross-cultural and in different context, that studies of the same time can be validated.
The article adds that a college sample is inappropriate when studying specific clinical
phenomenon (p. 321). Another problem is the administration of the test. Butcher, Graham, &
Ben-Porath (1995) consider administration the “sine qua non” of objective psychological testing
(p. 322). A prominent issue the in the simplicity of administering the personality test. Thus,
deviations may occur and invalidate the results. The setting of the administration is also crucial.
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A controlled setting allows the examinee to comfortable and honest with his or her answers.
Therefore, any uncontrolled administration is probably invalid.
There are numerous issues this article discusses, but it also provides tips, tools, and
advice to promote more MMPI research. When it comes to developing or evaluating new groups
of items from the MMPI-2, or scales, Butcher, Graham, & Ben-Porath (1995) provide eight steps
to consider. The construct should be well defined, the items selected need to pertain to the
construct, cross-validation is essential, must possess appropriate statistical properties, clearly
define empirical correlates, must establish incremental validity, whether the new scale has
usefulness, and construct validity should be presented.
Predictive Validity of the MMPI-2 Among Female Offenders in a Residential Treatment
Program
McAnulty et al. (2014) report the results and implications of an exploratory study female
offenders will graduate from a treatment program utilizing the MMPI-2 as a predictive variable.
The researchers hypothesized that,
clinical scales relating to externalizing behavior problems (4, 9, RC4, RC9) and content
Ho (Hostility), ANG (Anger), AAS (Addiction Admission Scale), MAC-R and, finally
the TRT scale (Negative Treatment Indicators) would be associated with poor treatment
outcomes, defined as failing to complete the program due to dropping out or terminated
by staff.
In other words, some select number of elevated scales, i.e., 65 or above (1.5 SDs), will correlate
significantly with failing to graduate the residential treatment program.
As predicted, the archival study revealed that a significant correlation (p < .05) of several
scales and some that were not include in the hypothesis. Two scales, predicted a positive
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outcome (R, Repression, and RE, Social Responsibility). The current study also reports the
likelihood of eligible women to join the program. Scales RC7, RC9, FRS, ANG, FAM, and TPA
were negatively associated with attending the program. They were more likely no to join.
However, the Repression scale was the only positive correlation. The only scales to significantly
predict failing were 4, DEP, and AAS.
The implications for this study is twofold. First, it has broadened the research in field in
which there is scarce research. More research is required of course, but it provides some view
into the treatment outcome of female offenders. Secondly, the MMPI-2 has once again proved to
be a successful screening test. Future treatment programs can screen participants more
successfully in predicting graduation outcomes. Thus, denying those who are mostly likely to fail
will save costs and provide more room for those who are more likely to graduate.
Conclusion
These articles reveal the implications of the MMPI-2 concerning research methodology
and predictive validity. Butcher, Graham, & Ben-Porath (1995) discuss issues and problems that
need to be addressed in MMPI research, as well as helpful tips for developing new scales.
McAnulty et al. (2014) conducted an exploratory study on treatment outcomes with women
offenders based off the MMPI-2. More studies will follow this one and perhaps improve
treatment outcomes. The MMPI and its related research have done a substantial job in the field
of psychology in assessment and testing.
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References
Butcher, J. N., Graham, J. R., & Ben-Porath, Y. S. (1995). Methodological problems and issues
in MMPI, MMPI-2, and MMPI-A research. Psychological Assessment, 7(3), 320-329.
doi:10.1037/1040-3590.7.3.320
Butcher, J. N., & Rouse, S. (in press). Individual differences and clinical assessment. Annual
Review of Psychology
McAnulty, R. D., McAnulty, D. P., Sipp, J. E., Demakis, G. J., Heggestad, E. D. (2014).
Predictive Validity of the MMPI–2 Among Female Offenders in a Residential Treatment
Program. Journal Of Personality Assessment, 96(6), 604-609.