The purpose of this paper is to discuss and evaluate The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The general areas covered in the report are: a) test description;
b) development/construction issues; c) structural issues; and d) test utility. The report ends with a critical evaluation of the instrument.
The MMPI has been comprehensively described by several authors (e.g. Anastasi, 1989; Butcher & Keller, 1984; Hathaway & McKinley, 1984). According to these descriptions, the instrument is a self-report test consisting of 566 true-false items. These items are typically of the self-reference type such as, "I like good food," and "I never have trouble falling asleep."
Assessment of test-takers' responses to test items can be made on ten clinical scales, four validity scales, and 4 special specialty scales (with new specialty scales being developed yearly). Each of these scales along with a brief description of what they measure is presented in Table 1.
Kaplan and Saccuzzo (1984) have noted that there are several forms of the MMPI including The Group Form which lists items in a reusable paper booklet, Form R which contains the test in a spiral-bound hardcover booklet, a box form in which items are listed in cards, and a tape-recorded form. The authors report that:
Some forms contain fewer than the full 566 items because only 399 items are actually used in the three
MMPI SCALES Description
P No. of omitted items. Suggests uncooperativeness or defensiveness if over 30 items are left unanswered.
L Measures tendency to claim excessive amount of virtue. High scores reflect overly favorable self-image.
F Measures tendency to endorse unusually attributes. High scores suggest faking, confusion, disorganization, or severe disturbance.
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