Showing papers in "Psychological Assessment in 1996"
TL;DR: The use of alpha as the basis for corrections for attenuation causes overestimates of true correlation as mentioned in this paper, which may cause significant misinterpretations of measures when alpha is used as evidence that a measure is unidimensional.
Abstract: The article addresses some concerns about how coefficient alpha is reported and used. It also shows that alpha is not a measure of homogeneity or unidimensionality. This fact and the finding that test length is related to reliability may cause significant misinterpretations of measures when alpha is used as evidence that a measure is unidimensional. For multidimensional measures, use of alpha as the basis for corrections for attenuation causes overestimates of true correlation. Satisfactory levels of alpha depend on test use and interpretation. Even relatively low (e.g., .50) levels of criterion reliability do not seriously attenuate validity coefficients. When reporting intercorrelations among measures that should be discriminable, it is important to present observed correlations, appropriate measures of reliability, and correlations corrected for unreliability. Presentation of coefficient alpha (hereinafter alpha; Cronbach, 1951 ) as an index of the internal consistency or reliability of psychological measures has become routine practice in virtually all psychological and social science research in which multiple-item measures of a construct are used. In this article I describe four ways in which researchers' use of alpha to convey information about the operationalization of a construct or constructs can represent a lack of understanding or can convey less information than is actually required to evaluate the degree to which measurement problems are or are not a concern in the interpretation of the research results. In each instance, I will also indicate which additional or supplementary information is necessary to evaluate the measurements used in the research.
2,283 citations
TL;DR: The authors used the Conflict Tactics Scale to assess histories of childhood physical abuse and found good discriminant validity and predictive efficiency of self-report measures, despite substantial underreporting by physically abused respondents.
Abstract: Using data from a study with prospective-cohorts design in which children who were physically abused, sexually abused, or neglected about 20 years ago were followed up along with a matched control group, accuracy of adult recollections of childhood physical abuse was assessed. Two hour in-person interviews were conducted in young adulthood with 1,196 of the original 1,575 participants. Two measures ( including the Conflict Tactics Scale ) were used to assess histories of childlhood physical abuse. Results indicate good discriminant validity and predictive efficiency ofthe self-report measures, despite substantial underreporting by physically abused respondents. Tests of construct validity reveal shared method variance, with self-report measures predicting self-reported violence and official reports of physical abuse predicting arrests for violence. Findings are discussed in the context of other research on the accuracy of adult recollections of childhood experiences.
749 citations
TL;DR: The Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) as discussed by the authors is a revised version of the BVMT that includes three learning trials, a 25-min delayed recall trial, and a delayed yes/no recognition task.
Abstract: There is an increasing demand for alternate-form neuropsychological tests that can be used in clinical trials with little risk of direct practice effect. Although the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) includes six equivalent alternate forms, its administration is limited to an immediate and 25-min delayed free-recall trial. We now present a revised version of the BVMT called the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) that includes three learning trials, a 25-min delayed recall trial, and a delayed yes/no recognition task. A new scoring system, which accounts for the location of test stimuli as well as the accuracy of recall, is also introduced. Using these new administration and scoring procedures, we administered the BVMT-R to 261 neuropsychiatric patients and 456 normal healthy adults. The results indicated that the test has excellent interform reliability, and the construct and criterion-related validity of the test were supported in studies using clinical samples. Although the BVMT-R is not without its limitations, the test's brevity and alternate-form capacity make it a valuable instrument for serial neuropsychological assessments.
558 citations
TL;DR: A large family of diverse item response theory models are now available to apply to an assortment of measurement tasks as mentioned in this paper, such as rating scales, partial credit scoring, and rating scales.
Abstract: In an ever-changing world, psychological testing remains the flagship of applied psychology. Although both the context of application and the legal guidelines for using tests have changed, psychological tests themselves have been relatively stable. Many historically valued tests, in somewhat revised forms, remain in active current use. Further, although several new tests have developed in response to contemporary needs in applied psychology, the principles underlying test development have remained constant. Or have they? Classical test theory has served test development well over several decades. Guiliksen's (1950) classic book, reprinted even in the 1990s, is often cited as the defining volume. However, classical test theory is much older. Many procedures were pioneered by Spearman ( 1907, 1913 ). Most psychologists should, and in fact do, know its principles. In some graduate programs, classical test theory is presented in a separate course that is required for applied psychologists and elective for other areas. In other graduate programs, classical test theory is part of the basic curriculum in testing methods for courses for clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, and school psychologists. However, since Lord and Novick's (1968) classic book introduced model-based measurement, a quiet revolution has occurred in test theory. Model-based measurement, known as item response theory (IRT) or latent trait theory, has rapidly become mainstream as a theoretical basis for psychological measurement. Increasingly, tests are developed from modelbased measurement not only because the theory is more plausible but also because the potential to solve practical testing problems is greater. A large family of diverse IRT models are now available to apply to an assortment of measurement tasks. IRT applications to available tests will be increasing. Although the early IRT models emphasized dichotomous item formats (e.g., the Rasch model), extensions to other item formats, such as rating scales (Andrich, 1982) and partial credit scoring (Masters, 1982 ) are
449 citations
TL;DR: LaFreniere et al. as discussed by the authors presented the factor structure and scale characteristics of the shortened version of the Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation Scale (SCBE) for a Quebec sample and 3 US samples, as well as age and gender differences in the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and social competence throughout the preschool years.
Abstract: The factor structure and scale characteristics of the shortened version ofthe Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation Scale (SCBE; P J LaFreniere & J E Dumas, 1995) are presented for a Quebec sample and 3 US samples, as well as age and gender differences in the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems and social competence throughout the preschool years Principal-components analyses identified 3 factors in all 4 samples: social competence (SC); anger-aggression (AA); and anxiety-withdrawal (AW) Each 10-item scale was shown to have high interrater and test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and temporal stability over a 6-month period Across all samples, boys were rated substantially higher on AA and lower on SC scales than girls, though no trends toward a sex difference in AW were evident A stepwise progression in SC with increasing age was apparent in all samples AA and AW behaviors showed a decline in the US, but not in the Quebec sample
434 citations
TL;DR: The Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI) as discussed by the authors was developed to measure post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other measures of adjustment, and has high internal consistency and adequate temporal stability.
Abstract: The article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Trauma-Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI). An initial questionnaire was constructed from multiple sources of information. Three factor analytic studies were conducted to refine the TRGI and determine its factor structure, which consists of a Distress factor and three cognitive factors, Hindsight-Bias/Responsibility, Wrongdoing, and Lack of Justification. The TRGI has high internal consistency and adequate temporal stability. In validity studies with Vietnam veterans and battered women, TRGI scales and subscales were significantly correlated with other measures of guilt and with measures of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and other indexes ofadjustment. Findings support the conceptualization of trauma-related guilt as a multidimensional construct and highlight the role of cognitions in the experience of guilt and posttrauma psychopathology.
341 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) has been extended with four additional subtests (date and place of birth, word fluency, similarities, and delayed recall of words).
Abstract: study, 525 community-dwelling participants, aged 65-89, were divided into 2 groups: no cognitive impairment (NCI; n - 406) and Alzheimer's disease (n = 119). Both tests yielded comparable reliability estimates. Fewer years of education decreased specificity and increased sensitivity, whereas increasing age primarily decreased specificity. It is concluded that although the 2 tests produce comparable effects, the inclusion of a verbal fluency test would increase the sensitivity of the MMSE. Normative data for the NCI group, stratified for 2 age levels (65-79 and 80-89) and 2 educational levels (0-8 and 9+ years), are presented. Folstein, Folstein, and McHugh (1975) introduced the MiniMental State Examination (MMSE) as a brief, objective assessment of cognitive functioning and as a measure of changes in cognitive status. The MMSE usually can be administered in 510 min and has been employed extensively in clinical settings, community surveys, and epidemiological studies. In a recent review of the literature, Tombaugh and Mclntyre (1992) concluded that the MMSE possessed moderate to high reliability coefficients, demonstrated high levels of sensitivity for cognitive deficits in patients suffering from moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease, and reflected the cognitive decline typical of dementia patients. Criticisms of the MMSE included (a) its failure to discriminate between people with mild dementia and those who are not demented, (b) a limited ability to detect impairment caused by focal lesions, particularly those in the right hemisphere, (c) overly simple language items that reduce sensitivity to mild linguistic deficits, and (d) a large number of false-positive errors because of its bias against individuals with low education. In response to these problems, several attempts have been made to improve the MMSE. Of these, the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS; Teng & Chui, 1987) represents the most extensive revision. Teng and Chui (1987) added four additional subtests (date and place of birth, word fluency, similarities, and delayed recall of words). The maximum score was
277 citations
TL;DR: Clark et al. as discussed by the authors examined the convergence between the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality (L. A. Clark and W. J. Livesley, 1994) and the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (W. J., Livesley & D. Jackson, in press), each of which assesses traits relevant to personality disorder.
Abstract: Two samples of normal-range individuals (N = 237) completed the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality (L. A. Clark, 1993a) and the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (W. J. Livesley & D. Jackson, in press), each of which assesses traits relevant to personality disorder. Convergence between the 2 instruments was examined at both the level of broad factors and the level of specific scales that had been matched previously on a conceptual basis (L. A. Clark & W. J. Livesley, 1994). Four of 5 higher order factors resembled dimensions of the 5-factor approach to personality, and a strong convergent and discriminant pattern was found between matched scales of the 2 instruments. Moreover, considerable specific trait variance remained after nonspecific (higher order) variance was accounted for. The results are interpreted as supporting a replicable structure of maladaptive personality traits at both levels of the hierarchy.
187 citations
TL;DR: Although the BULIT-R was developed and validated with bulimic individuals as determined by the DSM-III-R criteria, it appears to be a valid instrument with which to identify individuals who meet DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa.
Abstract: The Bulimia Test-Revised ( BULIT-R; M. H. Thelen, J. Farmer, S. Wonderlich, & M. Smith, 1991 ) was given to participants who met the criteria in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) for bulimia nervosa and control participants to determine if the test continues to be a valid measure of bulimia nervosa. Although the BULIT-R was developed and validated with bulimic individuals as determined by the DSM-III-R ( American Psychiatric Association, 1987) criteria, it appears to be a valid instrument with which to identify individuals who meet DSM-IV criteria for bulimia nervosa.
184 citations
TL;DR: Results of an exploratory factor analysis and analysis of patients' clinical characteristics, treatment outcome, chronicity of the illness, premorbid history, and social adjustment supported the validity of the 3 factors.
Abstract: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the underlying structure of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia as measured by the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS). Schizophrenia patients (AT = 457) were assessed with the SANS on at least I of 2 occasions: (a) 2-4 weeks after an index hospitalization, and (b) after a clinical stabilization period that lasted 3-6 months. Results of an exploratory factor analysis conducted for the first assessment (n = 401) were largely supported by the CFAs conducted on the data at the second assessment (« = 345). The CFA solution included 3 factors: Diminished Expression, Inattention-Alogia, and Social Amotivation. Analysis of patients' clinical characteristics, treatment outcome, chronicity of the illness, premorbid history, and social adjustment supported the validity of the 3 factors. The "negative symptoms" of schizophrenia, such as blunted affect or asociality, have become the focus of increased inquiry in the last one and a half decades. Several theoretical and methodological developments have spurred this research, most nota
150 citations
TL;DR: The authors examined whether the 4-factor structure of the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ; A. Buss and M. Perry, 1992), consisting of physical aggression, verbal aggression, hostility, and anger, would replicate in an offender population.
Abstract: The study examined whether the 4-factor structure of the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ; A. Buss & M. Perry, 1992), consisting of Physical Aggression, Verbal Aggression, Hostility, and Anger, would replicate in an offender population. The AQ and Novaco's Anger Scale (NAS; R. Novaco, 1994) were administered to 200 adult offenders. The results of a confirmatory analysis suggested that the 4-factor model is a poor fit in an offender population. A 2-factor model was suggested: 1 factor combines Physical Aggression and Anger; the other combines Verbal Aggression and Hostility. Evidence of convergent validity of the 2-factor model was provided by high correlations between the AQ and the NAS.
TL;DR: The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children (SPAI-C) as mentioned in this paper has shown initial promise to assess childhood social fears and reported more distressing events, and rated these events as more distressful when compared with normal peers.
Abstract: The Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children (SPAI—C) has shown initial promise to assess childhood social fears. In this study, convergent validity was determined by comparing scores on the SPAI—C to daily diary ratings of social distress. Social phobic children scored significantly higher on the SPAI—C, reported more distressing events, and rated these events as more distressful when compared with normal peers. A positive relationship was found between SPAI—C scores and daily diary ratings. Discriminative validity was determined by comparing SPAI—C scores of social phobic children with normal controls and children with externalizing disorders. The SPAI—C successfully differentiated children with social phobia from those with externalizing disorders or no disorder. Finally, internal consistency and factor analytic outcome data are presented. Results are discussed in terms of the SPAI—C's usefulness as a clinical and research tool.
TL;DR: This paper investigated the construct validity of the Ihe Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP) in the context of psychodynamic psychotherapy and found that the IIP can be used to classify patients reporting interpersonal distress into one of four problem quadrants: Friendly Dominant, Hostile Dominant and Hostile Submissive.
Abstract: This research investigated the construct validity of Ihe Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP; L M Horowitz, S E Rosenberg, B A Baer, G Ureno, & V S Villasenor, 1988) in the context of psychodynamic psychotherapy The interpersonal circumplex was used to categorize patients reporting interpersonal distress into 1 of 4 problem quadrants: Friendly Dominant, Hostile Dominant, Hostile Submissive, and Friendly Submissive At several points in treatment, therapists assessed their patients' personality disturbances, global functioning, and assets and liabilities for therapy Patients described their in-session experiences using the Therapy Session Report (D E Orlinsky & K I Howard, 1975) The 4 problem types each had a coherent and distinctive set of correlates Patients' interpersonal problems were articulated in therapists' perceptions and evaluations, and in the kinds of interpersonal and intrapsychic themes (wants, hopes, feelings, behaviors, etc) that characterized patients' retrospective accounts of the therapy sessions The results add to knowledge about the IIP, interpersonal problems, and the psychotherapy context
TL;DR: In this article, a series of analyses reconstruct and confirm the validity and reliability of hypothesized scales for the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) using a diverse sample (N = 990) of methadone maintenance substance abuse patients.
Abstract: A series of analyses reconstruct and confirm the validity and reliability of hypothesized scales for the Addiction Severity Index. Using a diverse sample (N = 990) of methadone maintenance substance abuse patients, a multistage scaling strategy was applied to identify 7 psychometrically integral addiction problem scales. Exploratory item analyses, confirmatory oblique item clustering, and 2nd-order factor analysis verified that the scales comprised relatively little common variance and that each retained a substantial amount of unique and reliable variance. Concurrent and predictive validity were supported with a sample of 244 methadone patients assessed throughout treatment. The advantages of the new scales are discussed, including provision of computer code for calculating normalized standard scores for use in clinical practice and treatment outcome research.
TL;DR: In this paper, nurses' assessments of interpersonal style in hospitalized male forensic psychiatric patients were reported on nurses' assessment on interpersonal behaviors on a Chart of Interpersonal Reactions in Closed Living Environments (CIRCLE).
Abstract: Two studies are reported on nurses' assessments of interpersonal style in hospitalized male forensic psychiatric patients. In Study 1, interpersonal behaviors were rated on a Chart of Interpersonal Reactions in Closed Living Environments (CIRCLE) in a derivation sample (n=210) and a replication sample (n = 102). Rating items generated a circular arrangement within both samples consistent with recent conceptualizations of the Leary interpersonal circle (T. Leary, 1957), and scales constructed to measure the octants of the circle demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. Study 2 showed that the 8 scales met the geometric requirements of a circumplex in the same 2 samples. As measures of dysfunctional interpersonal style, CIRCLE scales may have some utility in treatment planning, risk assessment, and the evaluation of personality disorders in inpatient populations.
TL;DR: The Rorschach Inkblot Method has been criticised as an invalid and useless instrument for assessing personality functioning as discussed by the authors, which runs counter to abundant contemporary data demonstrating its psychometric soundness and practical utility.
Abstract: Current literature reflects a persistent inclination in some quarters to denigrate the Rorschach Inkblot Method as an invalid and useless instrument for assessing personality functioning. Although perhaps warranted to some extent in years past, such harsh criticism of the Rorschach runs counter to abundant contemporary data demonstrating its psychometric soundness and practical utility. This article offers some observations concerning the kinds of information that are necessary to validate assessment instruments and provides examples of lines of research that document Rorschach validity and utility for various purposes.
TL;DR: A review of research examining the construct validity of J. M. Blondheim's (1967) Rorschach Oral Dependency (ROD) scale as a measure of interpersonal dependency revealed that this scale has demonstrated good interrater reliability, and that evidence regarding the convergent and discriminant validity of the ROD scale is generally strong as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A review of research examining the construct validity of J. M. Masling, L. Rabie, and S. H. Blondheim's (1967) Rorschach Oral Dependency (ROD) scale as a measure of interpersonal dependency revealed that this scale has demonstrated good interrater reliability, and that evidence regarding the convergent and discriminant validity of the ROD scale is generally strong. Mixed results have been obtained in studies assessing the internal reliability of ROD scale scores. There have been very few studies examining the predictive validity and retest reliability of the ROD scale, and few studies assessing the relationship of ROD scores to scores on other objective and projective measures of dependency. Implications of these findings for laboratory and clinical research involving the ROD scale are discussed, and suggestions for future studies in this area are offered.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated whether veterans who apparently exaggerate their symptoms are more likely to seek disability compensation or suffering from more comorbid pathology than nonexaggerating veterans.
Abstract: We evaluated whether veterans who apparently exaggerate their symptoms are more likely to be (a) seeking disability compensation or (b) suffering from more comorbid pathology than nonexaggerating veterans Fifty-four of 145 (37%) veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder who completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (J N Butcher, W G Dahlstrom, J R Graham, A Tellegen, & B Kaemmer, 1989) were identified as apparent exaggerators, with F (Frequency) - K (Correction ) >13 These participants scored higher than nonexaggerators on self-report measures of various psychological symptoms but were no more likely to be seeking compensation or to have comorbid substance use or other anxiety disorders Affective disorder was overrepresented among apparent exaggerators, however Findings support the hypothesis of increased comorbidity among symptom exaggerators as measured by the F - K index but not the commonly held belief that symptom exaggerators are more likely to seek compensation
TL;DR: In this article, mental disorders were assessed in 326 prisoners of war (POWs) of the World War II (WWII) European theater, WWII Pacific theater, and Korean Conflict (KC) and in combat veterans of both wars.
Abstract: Mental disorders were assessed in 326 prisoners of war (POWs) of the World War II (WWII) European theater, WWII Pacific theater, and Korean Conflict (KC) and in combat veterans of both wars. Diagnoses were identified using a structured diagnostic interview including a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) module. POW trauma severity was measured by a trauma events index, captivity weight loss, and captivity duration. KC and WWII Pacific former POWs reported the most extreme trauma and, as hypothesized, showed highest prevalences of lifetime and current mental disorders and PTSD. POW subgroups exhibited greater psychopathology than combat veterans. PTSD was frequently associated with other mental disorders and found in high prevalences in all subgroups, pointing to the persistent, far-reaching impact of combat and POW experiences on mental health.
TL;DR: The uses and abuses of cut scores (also called cut points, or standards) are examined in this paper, illustrating their typical applications and ubiquity and showing that cut scores always entail judgment, inherently result in misclassification, impose an artificial dichotomy on an essentially continuous distribution of knowledge, skill or ability, and that no true cut scores exist.
Abstract: The uses and abuses of cut scores (also called cut points, or standards) are examined, illustrating their typical applications and ubiquity The article demonstrates that cut scores (a) always entail judgment; (b) inherently result in misclassification; (c) impose an artificial dichotomy on an essentially continuous distribution of knowledge, skill or ability; and that (d) no true cut scores exist Issues involved in minimizing abuses ofcut scores are discussed
TL;DR: In this paper, representative profile subtypes, based on factor index scores, were examined in the standardization sample of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III), and two-stage cluster analysis identified five reliable subtypes.
Abstract: Representative profile subtypes, based on factor index scores, were examined in the standardization sample of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition (WISC-III; Wechsler, 1991). Two-stage cluster analysis identified 5 reliable subtypes. Three of these were differentiated by levels of performance (ranging from below average, to average, to above average); the other 2 were characterized by patterns of performance, with relative efficacy on the processing speed factor being the most prominent distinction (ranging from a relative weakness to a relative strength). The cluster subtypes did not differ significantly in age, but parental level of education covaried directly with level of WISC-III performance. A method for determining the relative uniqueness of clinically obtained WISC-III factor index score patterns is presented.
TL;DR: Profile analysis via multidimensional scaling (PAMS) as discussed by the authors is a technique for studying the most prominent profiles of a battery of measures in a given population, and results of PAMS are reported for two well-known test batteries: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence ScaleRevised and the General Aptitude Test Battery.
Abstract: Profile analysis via multidimensional scaling ( PAMS ) is described. It is a technique for studying the most prominent profiles of a battery of measures in a given population. Results of PAMS are reported for 2 well-known test batteries : the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised and the General Aptitude Test Battery. For each inventory, the profiles found in the PAMS analysis are discussed in light of major profiles used in the interpretation ofthat inventory. Finally, methodological features of the PAMS approach are discussed.
TL;DR: The MHI, with its adolescent norms, is recommended for the assessment of adolescent mental health, particularly in studies in which comparison to a nonpsychiatric, normative adolescent population is indicated.
Abstract: Few instruments exist for the assessment of adolescent mental health. In order to examine the appropriateness of the Mental Health Inventory (MHI) for use with adolescents, secondary analyses were conducted of the large subsample (n = 953) of adolescents who participated in the community-based Rand Health Insurance Study. The reliability and readability of the MHI were confirmed. Subscales reflecting Psychological Well-Being and Psychological Distress were derived. The MHI, with its adolescent norms, is recommended for the assessment of adolescent mental health, particularly in studies in which comparison to a nonpsychiatric, normative adolescent population is indicated.
TL;DR: In this paper, the validity of a technique for estimating premorbid intellectual functioning based on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) subtest performance and demographic information used in a best-performance fashion was investigated.
Abstract: The validity of a technique for estimating premorbid intellectual functioning based on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R; D Wechsler, 1981) subtest performance and demographic information used in a best-performance fashion was investigated Premorbid IQ scores were predicted using the highest score from (a)a11 11 R D Vanderploeg and J A Schinka (1995) regression equations (BEST-11) and (b) the 3 most robust regression equations (BEST-3) These results were compared with premorbid estimates based solely on demographic information In the WAIS-R standardization sample the BEST methods were more highly correlated with actual WAIS-R IQ than were A Barona et al (1984) estimates The BEST-11 and BEST-3 approaches resulted in overestimates of about 9 points and 5 points, respectively In matched samples of neurologic patients and normal controls, Pearson correlations between actual and estimated IQ scores were significantly higher for the BEST-3 than the Barona et al method The BEST-3 method also was superior at predicting group membership (normal vs brain-damaged) These studies support the use of the BEST-3 approach to premorbid estimation of cognitive abilities
TL;DR: The ASP and Pd scales had many similar correlates, but the ASP scale correlated more positively with measures of Machiavellianism and more negatively with interviewer-rated honesty than the Pd scale as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Little is known regarding the construct validity of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Antisocial Practices (ASP) content scale or its differences from the Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) scale. In 3 studies with undergraduates (Ns = 95, 110, and 100), the ASP scale exhibited convergent and discriminant validity with self-report, interview, family history, and observer measures of psychopathy, personality disorders, and personality traits. The ASP and Pd scales had many similar correlates, but the ASP scale correlated more positively with measures of Machiavellianism and more negatively with interviewer-rated honesty than the Pd scale. The ASP scale demonstrated incremental validity over and above the Pd scale for global indexes of psychopathy and antisocial behavior. Neither scale related highly to the absence of stress and interpersonal anxiety characteristic of psychopathy. The ASP and Pd scales, although overlapping in content, appear to measure somewhat different facets of the psychopathy construct.
TL;DR: In this paper, recently divorced mothers were assessed on 11 dimensions of coping, including active coping, cognitive restructuring, social support seeking, and avoidance, and the results failed to provide uniform support for coping dispositions as currently assessed.
Abstract: This study examined the construct validity of the assessment of coping dispositions. Recently divorced mothers (ns = 169-203) were assessed on 11 dimensions of coping, the number of major and small life stressors, and psychological distress on 2 occasions, 5.5 months apart. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the presence of 4 related dimensions of coping: Active Coping, Cognitive Restructuring, Social Support Seeking, and Avoidance. Active Coping was associated with less distress, but this relationship was modest in size and did not hold over time. Avoidance was consistently associated with greater distress in the cross-sectional analyses, but there was also evidence that psychological distress and small stressful events were causes of increased avoidance. In summary, the results failed to provide uniform support for coping dispositions as currently assessed.
TL;DR: The usefulness of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) was examined for 162 delinquent boys in a state training school as mentioned in this paper, and their base rates, patterns, and configurations on all the MMPIA scales and subscales were determined and compared with those of the 805 nondelinquent male adolescents in the standardization sample.
Abstract: The usefulness of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent(MMPI-A) (J. N. Butcher et al., 1992) was examined for 162 delinquent boys in a state training school. Their base rates, patterns, and configurations on all the MMPI-A scales and subscales were determined and compared with those of the 805 nondelinquent male adolescents in the MMPI-A standardization sample and with the original MMPI patterns of 7,783 delinquents identified in a literature review. The most prominent clinical scales were 4, 6, and 9, and 49/94 was the most frequent 2-point code. The study confirmed 14 of 18 hypotheses for mean differences on the 38 MMPI-A validity, clinical, supplementary, and content scales, and also found significant mean differences on 33 of the other 51 MMPI-A scales and subscales, 13 of which were large enough to be clinically meaningful. Most of the MMPI-A patterns and configurations were consistent with the literature on male juvenile delinquents.
TL;DR: In this article, the current state of the art in test construction is summarized and compared with previous conceptual models, some of which are wrong or misleading, as well as current thinking on the specification of technical characteristics of tests.
Abstract: The article summarizes the current state ofthe art in test construction and contrasts it with previous conceptual models, some of which are wrong or misleading. In particular, new methodologies for item selection and review are presented as well as current thinking on the specification of technical characteristics of tests.
TL;DR: In this paper, a hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between MMPI-2 scores and performance on the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R).
Abstract: Attention span (Digit Span), verbal list learning, and memory test performance (Wechsler Memory Scale—Revised; WMS-R) were examined in relation to Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI-2) measures of depression, anxiety, and psychotic thinking in male patients with closed-head injury (« = 48) and with psychiatric disorder (n = 80). In both samples, MMPI-2 scores were significantly related to Attention Span but independent of List Learning performance. MMPI-2 scores correlated with factor scores derived from the Logical Memory and Visual Reproduction subtests of the WMS-R. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis, which examined the relative effects of neurologic and emotional status, support the view that MMPI-2 scores are relevant to the interpretation of performance on neuropsychological tests of attention and memory. The potential influence of emotional factors on cognitive functioning has been a continuing area of concern in neuropsychological assessment. It is widely recognized that problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychotic thinking can adversely affect neuropsychological test performance and cognitive efficiency in daily living (Burt, Zembar, & Niederehe, 1995; Rabins, Pearlson, & Strauss, 1993). The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (MMPI-2), which is the most widely used measure of psychopathology in neuropsychological and general medical settings, ostensibly measures these and other emotional factors. Several investigators reported Halstead-Reitan Battery scores to be independent of MMPI scores, supporting the view that standardized test batteries may be fairly resilient to the effects of psychological disturbance (Calsyn, Louks, & Johnson, 1982; Gass, 1991; Heaton, Baade, & Johnson, 1978; Heaton & Crowley, 1981; Reitan & Wolfson, 1993). However, little is known regarding the MMPI-2 and the manner in which its scores may be related to performance on other widely used neuropsychological tests. In the present study, it was hypothesized that scores on MMPI-2 scales related to depression (D and DEP), anxiety (Ft, ANX, FRS, and OBS), and psychotic thinking (Sc and BIZ) would show a negative association with performance on measures of attention, retentive memory, and acquisition of verbal list material. In addition, this study examined the relative importance of closed-head injury and emotional factors as measured by the MMPI-2 in interpreting cognitive test performance.
TL;DR: Focus groups conducted with Puerto Rican adults revealed that idioms of anger are salient to the mental health among a low socioeconomic status, inner-city population and taking cultural expression of symptomatology into account enhances standard assessment of mental health.
Abstract: Increasing attention is being focused on the role of culture in psychological assessment and psychiatric diagnosis. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association, 1994), there are cultural considerations in applying the criteria of psychiatric disorders, as well as a glossary of culture-bound syndromes. There is a need for further research to clarify the cultural roots of expressive symptomatology. In the present study, focus groups conducted with Puerto Rican adults revealed that idioms of anger are salient to the mental health among a low socioeconomic status, inner-city population. Community and clinical samples of respondents (N = 531) were administered the idioms in a rating scale format. Factor analysis yielded dimensions expressive of aggression, assertiveness, and vindictiveness. These subscales correlated significantly with depressive and anxiety symptomatology, as measured by standardized instruments, and predicted clinical status. Results suggest that taking cultural expression of symptomatology into account enhances standard assessment of mental health.