Psychology 121, Lecture 15

Evolution of Objective Testing

by Hal S. Kopeikin, Ph.D. © 2000

MMPI, conclusions

The Validity Scales were a major hit

  • While no test is unfakable, the MMPI made tremendous progress in detecting factors which might distort responses. People still can "fake good" or "fake bad," but extreme efforts are typically identifiable and scores are adjusted for smaller distortions. Two kinds to distortions psychologists worry about are
  • Response Sets : Attempts at impression management (fake good, fake bad, social desirability, etc.) The effect of a response set depends on the apparent meaning of the item.
  • Response Styles: General response tendencies independent of item content (acquiescence, extremity, yeah saying/naysaying, random responding, etc.)
    •  
    Sample MMPI Results for a Normal and a Mentally Ill Patient
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Test Results
ID: Normal Student
Sex: Female
Age: 21
Plot of K-corrected T scores on Basic Scales
--------------------------------------------
Scale T-SCORE
T 30....5...40....5...50....5...60....5...70....5...80....5...90.
45 L------------------*
52 F-------------------------*
68 K-----------------------------------------*
52 Hs-------------------------*
48 D---------------------*
56 Hy-----------------------------*
63 Pd------------------------------------*
53 Mf--------------------------*
53 Pa--------------------------*
51 Pt------------------------*
54 Sc---------------------------*
55 Ma----------------------------*
42 Si---------------*
69 Es------------------------------------------*

ID: Normal Student
Welsh Code : Pd-HyMaScMfPaHsPt/DSi:L:F/K-
Narrative type 3 : Normal, no apparent pathology

This MMPI interpretation should be viewed as a series of
hypotheses which may require further investigation. Research
shows some interpretive paragraphs are more valid than others.
Validity results are summarized by two numbers, in parentheses,
following most paragraphs: The first number indicates the percent
of times the paragraph was judged as correct, while the second
second number tells how many times it was tested.
This narrative is confidential, professional communication.
It is relies on psychological jargon for the sake of brevity and
can be blunt. It should not be shown to the patient without
the consent and presence of a qualified psychologist.
This is a valid profile. This patient responded to the test
items in a defensive fashion. Similar individuals tend to
present themselves in a good light and minimize or overlook
socially acceptable limitations. Though this configuration
suggests good social skills and ego functioning, especially in
well educated individuals, it is likely to predict resistance to
treatment for those individuals who are referred or "voluntarily"
request treatment. (94%, 100)
This profile is within normal limits. Although such results
are frequently obtained from individuals whose personalities are
without significant pathology, a more thorough assessment is
required to definitively rule out deviant behavior and
experiences. (100%, 66)
This individual may be rather superficial and flighty in
social interactions. Such persons are notably extroverted and
are adept at making positive social contacts with many people,
but operate on a superficial and rather insincere level. Social
dependency and a high need for social approval are suggested.
(76%, 25)
ID: Normal Student
MMPI Scales & Subscales, Sorted by T-score
==========================================
T Subscale
--- --------------------------------------
31 D1 Subjective depression
34 D5 Brooding
38 Sy Shyness
39 Sc3 Bizarre sensory experiences
39 D4 Mental dullness
40 Hy5 Inhibition of aggression
41 Sc1b Emotional alienation
41 Ma2 Psychomotor acceleration
41 Self Criticism
41 Sc2c Lack of ego mastery, defective inhibition
41 Sc2a Lack of ego mastery, cognitive
42 Si (10)
42 Pa2 Poignancy
43 Sc1a Social alienation
43 Hy4 Somatic complaints
44 Sc2b Lack of ego mastery, conative
44 Hy3 Lassitude-malaise
44 Pd4b Self-alienation
45 Pd1 Familial discord
45 L
45 D2 Psychomotor retardation
46 Pa1 Persecutory ideas
47 Ma1 Amorality
47 Mf1 Personal and emotional sensitivity
48 D3 Physical malfunctioning
48 D (2)
49 Pd4a Social alienation
51 Pt (7)
51 Mf2 Sexual identification
52 F
52 Hs (1)
52 Ma4 Ego Inflation
53 Pa (6)
53 Mf-F (5)
54 Sc (8)
55 Ma (9)
56 Hy (3)
57 Ma3 Imperturbability
60 Alc Alcohol Index
60 OH Overcontrolled Hostility
62 Pd2 Authority problems
62 Pd3 Social imperturbability
62 Pa3 Naivete'
63 Pd (4)
65 Hy1 Denial of social anxiety
68 K
69 Hy2 Need for affection
69 Es Ego Strength
69 Mf3 Altruism
     IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
-----------------------
ID: Patient
Sex: Female
Age: 37
Date: 5/27/95
Plot of K-corrected T scores on Basic Scales
--------------------------------------------
Scale T-SCORE
T 30....5...40....5...50....5...60....5...70....5...80....5...90.
41 L------------*
87 F----------------------------------------------------------*
54 K-------------------------*
95 Hs-----------------------------------------------------------------*
75 D----------------------------------------------*
84 Hy-------------------------------------------------------*
92 Pd--------------------------------------------------------------*
37 Mf--------*
89 Pa------------------------------------------------------------*
79 Pt--------------------------------------------------*
103 Sc----------------------------------------------------------------------->
96 Ma--------------------------------------------------------------------*
70 Si-----------------------------------------*
34 Es-----*
ID: Patient
Welsh Code : Sc**MaHsPd*PaHy"PtDSi'Mf#L:F"K/
Narrative type 1 : Clinically Significant Elevations
This MMPI interpretation should be viewed as a series of
hypotheses which may require further investigation. Research
shows some interpretive paragraphs are more valid than others.
Validity results are summarized by two numbers, in parentheses,
following most paragraphs: The first number indicates the percent
of times the paragraph was judged as correct, while the second
second number tells how many times it was tested.
This narrative is confidential, professional communication.
It is relies on psychological jargon for the sake of brevity and
can be blunt. It should not be shown to the patient without
the consent and presence of a qualified psychologist.
This profile is valid. The validity configuration suggests
that this patient has significant psychological problems which
the patient would like to discuss. Individuals obtaining similar
results are often described as somewhat moody and opinionated,
unstable and rebellious. They tend to be overly critical of
themselves and readily admit to psychological problems. It is
likely that characteristic defense mechanisms are ineffective in
dealing with current difficulties. This patient may feel
vulnerable and defenseless. (100%, 121)
Individuals who obtain similar profiles are often described
as hyperactive, restless and indecisive. They spend a great deal
of time in fantasy and daydreaming, and usually display marginal,
fluctuating reality testing at best. This patient may keep
people at a distance and show poor social judgment. Projection,
regression and inappropriate affect are often present. The
majority of patients with this type of profile show evidence of
paranoid mentation and a thought disorder. Onset is typically
acute and accompanied by excitement, disorientation and general 
feelings of perplexity. Depression, anxiety and tension are
usually found in combination with hostility, irritability and
social withdrawal. (78%, 45)
This patient is expressing a great number of physical
complaints and bodily preoccupations. Symptoms are likely fixed,
organized and chronic. Somatization in similar individuals often
leads to functional pain, fatigue and weakness. A review of
symptoms often results in an "organ recital" in which physical 
complaints relate to body parts, head to toe. (81%, 37)
Similar patients are often described as highly rebellious
and nonconforming individuals. Poor social judgment and
inability to profit from experience are frequent characteristics.
Psychological conflict is clearly manifest in highly visible
behavioral correlates. Similar individuals often display
conflict with authority figures, anti-social acts and
manipulative interpersonal stratagems. They may be able to form
only superficial and shallow relationships.
Similar individuals are often seen as very resentful and
suspicious of others. It is likely that this patient feels
frequently mistreated. A careful appraisal should differentiate
between reality situations and fixed beliefs which may have
delusional qualities. Projection is a prominent defense.
Feelings of persecution and ideas of reference may be present. 
The open expression of hostility and anger is likely. (85%, 67)
She has a tendency to impulsively act out sexual conflicts
and wishes. Manifestations of such behavior depend on several
variables such as occasions for action, age, and social status.
She appears to place a great deal of emphasis on feminine
interests. Similar women are often seen as passive, submissive
and yielding. They are often highly constricted, self-pitying and
fault-finding individuals. (91%, 68)
This person is likely to experience significant discomfort
in social situations. Social introversion, shyness, and poor
social skills are often characteristic. Worry, lack of confidence
and moodiness may be present. (99%, 191)
COMMENTS
Schizophrenic reaction likely. Anti-psychotic medication
may be beneficial. Rule out hallucinations and delusions.
Rule out bizarre physical complaints and somatic delusions.
Evidence of clinical depression is suggested. (95%, 39)
High Point codes = Sc Ma 
ID: Patient
MMPI Scales & Subscales, Sorted by T-score
==========================================
T Subscale
--- --------------------------------------
32 Hy1 Denial of social anxiety
34 Es Ego Strength
37 Mf-F (5)
41 L
41 Sc1b Emotional alienation
45 Ma3 Imperturbability
47 Pd3 Social imperturbability
47 Hy5 Inhibition of aggression
50 OH Overcontrolled Hostility
52 Pa3 Naivete'
54 K
56 D2 Psychomotor retardation
59 Mf3 Altruism
61 D3 Physical malfunctioning
64 Hy2 Need for affection
64 Sc2b Lack of ego mastery, conative
66 D5 Brooding
67 Sy Shyness
68 Sc1a Social alienation
70 Self Criticism
70 Pd4a Social alienation
70 Si (10)
72 Ma1 Amorality
73 Mf1 Personal and emotional sensitivity
74 Pd1 Familial discord
74 Hy3 Lassitude-malaise
74 D1 Subjective depression
75 Pa1 Persecutory ideas
75 D (2)
76 Ma4 Ego Inflation
76 Pa2 Poignancy
77 Pd2 Authority problems
78 Pd4b Self-alienation
79 Pt (7)
80 Sc2c Lack of ego mastery, defective inhibition
84 Hy (3)
84 Mf2 Sexual identification
86 Alc Alcohol Index
86 Hy4 Somatic complaints
87 D4 Mental dullness
87 F
89 Pa (6)
91 Sc2a Lack of ego mastery, cognitive
92 Ma2 Psychomotor acceleration
92 Pd (4)
95 Hs (1)
96 Ma (9)
98 Sc3 Bizarre sensory experiences
103 Sc (8)

    Evaluation of the MMPI

    See your text for an excellent summary.

    Projective Techniques

    Based on the projective hypothesis: When interpreting and responding to ambiguous stimuli, people must rely more than usual on their experiences, needs, hopes, fears, assumptions about life and the world, etc. (also cf. p 444-445). Responses to ambiguous situations are thus expected to be especially revealing.

    The Rorschach Inkblot Technique