Perceptions of MMPI Item Subtlety: Influences of Age and Ethnicity

This study examined the influences of age and ethnicity on perceived item subtlety in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Scales F and 9. One hundred twenty-one male adolescents (67 White, 54 Black) rated the items composing these scales in terms of their relationship to a psychologic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of personality assessment 1994-02, Vol.62 (1), p.9-16
Main Authors: Herkov, Michael J., Gordon, Raymont A., Gynther, Malcolm D., Greer, Richard A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
African Americans - psychology
Age Factors
Biological and medical sciences
European Continental Ancestry Group - psychology
Factors
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Mental Disorders - diagnosis
Mental Disorders - psychology
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
MMPI - standards
MMPI - statistics & numerical data
Psychology, Adolescent
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychometrics. Diagnostic aid systems
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Scales
Techniques and methods
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Summary:This study examined the influences of age and ethnicity on perceived item subtlety in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Scales F and 9. One hundred twenty-one male adolescents (67 White, 54 Black) rated the items composing these scales in terms of their relationship to a psychological problem. The mean item ratings and subsequent subtle-obvious classifications were then compared to established ratings obtained from adults (Christian, Burkhart, & Gynther, 1978; Wiener, 1948). Results indicated significant differences in both item ratings and classifications between adolescents and adults on Scales F and 9. Significant differences between Black and White adolescents were found on Scale F but not on Scale 9, even when differences in verbal-comprehension abilities between groups were considered. These results suggest that it may be inappropriate to use current subtle-obvious keys with adolescents and minorities.
ISSN:0022-3891
1532-7752
DOI:10.1207/s15327752jpa6201_2