Evaluation of the MMPI

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

. . .
hat the use of standardized T scores does not have a metric justification because the essential metric conceptualization is this dichotomous differentiation between normal and abnormal and not a continuous scale. The MMPI was developed using a construction method known as criterion or empirical keying in which scale items are included only if they differentiate between known groups, e.g. hypochondriacal groups from normal groups. However, Alker (1978) has noted that over the years research has clearly shown that adequate distinguishment between such groups requires far larger samples than those used in the development of the MMPI. Moreover, Alker (1978) states that items distinguishing normal from abnormal groups are insufficient a foundation for test development. This distinguishment, to be meaningfully interpreted, must rest on a conceptual or theoretical foundation explaining why items distinguish groups. Kaplan and Saccuzzo (1982) have discussed the reliability and validity of the MMPI. In this regard, the authors reported that most reliability studies offer, at best, moderate evidence of the consistency and stability of the instrument. For example, less than one year interval test-retest reliability coefficients are va
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Kaplan Saccuzzo, Butcher Keller, Specifically Gynther, Evaluation Based, Minnesota Press, Hathaway McKinley, Structural Issues, Description Sc, Description Validity, OK Buros, butcher keller, keller 1984, butcher keller 1984, kaplan saccuzzo, normal abnormal, personality inventory, highland park nj, mental measurements, measurements yearbook, buros ed, ok buros ed, park nj, specialty scales, kaplan saccuzzo 1982, nj gryphon press,
Approximate Word count = 3805
Approximate Pages = 15 (250 words per page)

More Essays on Evaluation of the MMPI