MMPI - Validity Scales Flashcards
1
Q
What are the validity scales of the MMPI?
A
?: Cannot say
INCONSISTENCY
VRIN: variable response inconsistency
TRIN: true response inconsistency
INFREQUENCY
F: infrequency
Fb: back side infrequency
Fp: infrequency - psychopathology
DEFENSIVENESS
L: lie
K: correction
S: superlative self-presentation
2
Q
Explain the cannot say scale
A
- unanswered Qs (or both T/F)
HIGH SCORES
- carelessness/psychomotor retardation
- avoidance/not wanting to admit
- indecision
- lack of info for meaningful response/difficulty reading
- extreme defensiveness
3
Q
Explain the VRIN scale
A
HIGH SCORES
- reading difficulties
- confusion
- intentional random responding
- error in recording responses
MIDDLE
- carelessness
- occasional loss of concentration
LOW
- psychopathology
- faking bad
4
Q
Explain the TRIN scale
A
HIGH SCORES
- suggests all T or F
5
Q
Explain the F scale
A
- infrequency
- indicates deviant/atypical responses
HIGH SCORES
- random responses
- all T/F responses
- faking bad
- maligering
LOW SCORES
- free of psychopathology
- faking good?
- normal responses
6
Q
Explain the Fb scale
A
- back side infrequency
- identify “faking bad” for last 197 items
- should compare to F scale
HIGH SCORES:
- random, all true, faking bad
- change in responding
- severe psychopathology
7
Q
Explain the Fp scale
A
- infrequency-psychopathology
- identifies “faking bad” on last 197 items
HIGH SCORES (>100):
- random
- all true
- faking bad
8
Q
Explain the L scale
A
- lie
- describing self in unrealistic positive light
HIGH SCORES:
- trying to create favourable impression
- defensive, denying, repressing
- confused/rigid/moralistic
- little insight into motivations
- little awareness of consequences
- inflated perception of self-worth
- socially conforming/not original
- poor tolerance for stress
LOW SCORES:
- responding frankly to items
- able to admit minor faults
- may be exaggerating negative things
9
Q
Explain the K scale
A
- correction
- responding in overly positive terms
HIGH SCORES:
- serious psychological disturbances but are not aware of this
- faking good?
LOW SCORES
- respond T to more items
- faking bad?
- suspicious of others
10
Q
Explain the F-K index
A
- dissimulation
- not a true measure for validity; an index of likelihood that a profile is valid
- examines rship b/w F and K scales to assess malingering and defectiveness
F-K= 15+
- possible invalid (faking bad)
- malingering/crying for help
- temporary reaction to stress
- over-dramatization of difficulties
11
Q
Explain the S scale
A
- superlative self-presenting
- measure of defensiveness (highly correlated with K)
HIGH SCORES:
- faking good
- very defensive
