GRGR(4) Objective: MMPI
s~Z
mcmullenm at vcss.k12.ca.us
Sun Jun 20 18:13:12 CDT 1999
The best known objective personality test is the MMPI. This test was
created primarily to measure psychopathology. It contains several
validity scales to determine if the client is responding to the
questions accurately and truthfully, and it also contains ten basic
clinical scales. Hundreds of additional scales have been created for the
MMPI to measure virtually every personality trait and emotion
conceivable. The MMPI was recently revised; the MMPI-2 is now the more
commonly used edition. The MMPI is interpreted by looking at scale
elevations and configurations. Although limited interpretation can be
done by computer programs, a skilled psychologist is needed to make
accurate interpretation which take into account a person's background
and other test data. Other objective tests, such as the 16PF and the
Myers-Briggs are more useful for looking at personality in the normal
range, and are more helpful for counseling as opposed to psychiatric
treatment.
http://www.psychologicaltesting.com/
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The Validity Scales:
SCALE ?
Simply the number of items that have to be thrown out because they are
unanswered or double-answered. (It is a true-false test.)
SCALE L (Lie Scale)
Measures naive cover-ups of 'normal' human foibles. Saying you would
'never' do what almost anyone would do at some point in their lives.
SCALE F (Frequency Scale)
The opposite of the lie scale. Saying you have done or thought things
that less than 10% of the population would 'ever' do.
SCALE K
A more subtle and sophisticated version of the Lie Scale, it measures
more intelligent and sneaky attempts to cover up inadequacies and
foibles. People with graduate degrees often score rather high on Scale
K.
The Clinical Scales:
SCALE 1 Hs: Hypochondriasis
Measures use of somatization as a defense.
SCALE 2 D: Depression
SCALE 3 Hy: Hysteria
While in hypochondriasis the somatic complaints are imagined, in
hysteria functional physical symptomology is present.
SCALE 4 Pd: Psychopathic Deviate
Measures tendencies toward noncompliance with societal norms. (In Bright
Average and above, and college-educated groups, the more malignant
aspects of this description may be modified by intellectual ability. So,
RELAX!)
SCALE 5 Mf: Motherfucker
Measures intensity of oedipal urges
Drum roll please.
*****SCALE 6 Pa: Paranoia*****
SCALE 7 Pt: Psychasthenia
Measures perfectionism, rigidity, and anxiety level.
SCALE 8 Sc: Schizophrenia
At the lower end of the elevated range of scores, interpreters must
allow for the possibility that the testee is a highly creative and
imaginative individual. So, RELAX!
SCALE 9 Ma: Mania
Measures energy level and ability to focus.
SCALE 0 Si: Social Introversion
Measures shyness.
Interpretation takes into account not only individual scores, but
patterns of scores. Scores are considered significant if they are 2
standard deviations above the mean. If there are two or more scores
significantly elevated you have a 'profile.' These profiles are indexed
in interpretive manuals with personality descriptions based on studies
of the various profiles. 2-4 profiles, 1-3 profiles, 4-9 profiles,
8-1-2-3 profiles. The possibilities are endless. It is all computerized,
so now the scores can be fed into a computer, and an entire report is in
your hands in seconds. The clinician has to do almost nothing, and the
fees, well...you can imagine the fees.
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