Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory MMPI-2 interpretation overview

¶ … Mmpi-2

The protocol validity of a psychological test refers to its validity under different test taking scenarios. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) actually has several different measures of validity, which take into account that test-taking attitude and environment can help determine responses. In addition, they take into account the fact that different groups have different normative responses; for example, both age and race can impact normal responses. The first step in evaluating the MMPI-2 is assessing the testing protocol and looks at three basic factors: can the sheet be scored (is it complete); are the test responses consistent with one another; and whether the test-taker appeared to be distorting responses. Response omissions can have a significant impact on the scores, particularly if the content of those omitted questions is high in a specific scale and are measured by the ? scale. Therefore, if there are more than five omissions, this is means to further examine the test and the test-taker to determine why items were omitted and the possible impact of those omitted items, and more than 30 unanswered questions means that the test should be considered invalid. Response consistency examines whether the test-taker's answers to similar questions are consistent through the test and is measured by the TRIN and VRIN scales. A high degree of inconsistency can reflect either psychological impairment or suggest that the test-taker is attempting to feign an illness. Response accuracy refers to whether the test-taker is being honest in his answers and is mainly meant to screen out someone trying to feign illness or health. It is measured by the F, K, and L. scales. Test-taking attitude can be reflected in many of the scales, but the Fb scale helps indicate if people are simply answering randomly.

The MMPI-2 reports on 10 different clinical scales. Generally, people will be coded based on their two highest single scales. Scale 1 measures hypochondriasis and assess concern over bodily functions. Scale 2 measures depression. Scale 3 measures hysteria. Scale 4 measures psychopathic deviance, which is actually a measure of social deviance and obedience to authority. Scale 5 is labeled masculinity and femininity. Scale 6 measure paranoia. Scale 7 is labeled psychasthenia and measures obsessive/compulsive behavior. Scale 8 is labeled schizophrenia, seems related to reality testing, and is difficult to interpret. Scale 9 is labeled hypomania. Scale 0 measures introversion/extroversion.

The major interpretive implications that must be considered when assessing the results of the MMPI-2 are age, culture, intellectual level, education, and level of functioning. In addition, one must consider the reason that the person is taking the MMPI-2. The test-taker's attitude can impact test results and impact the interpretation of the results. Cognitive abilities play an important role in the MMPI-2, because someone may be unable to fully understand the test. Interpersonal relations can impact answers on the test, but test results can also demonstrate problems in interpersonal relationships.