Research Paper on "Should the MMPI Be Utilized to Diagnose Patients"

Research Paper 6 pages (2133 words) Sources: 6

[EXCERPT] . . . .

There are personality tests designed to provide an assessment of an individual's personality type (these are various and one traditional personality test is based on the four humors -- sanguine, melancholy, etc.); these are utilized in multiple settings -- by employers, educators, individuals, clinicians, etc. There are neuropsychological tests designed to assess the cognitive process and are typically used in clinical settings. There are direct observation tests which measure a dynamic -- typically a family dynamic -- say a child's interaction with a parent. These are the major categories.

The concepts of reliability and validity are situated within the framework of the tests themselves, which serves to affect the field of psychological testing by supporting it with data culled from participants. These tests, moreover, are formed using principles of psychological testing, such as standardization, objectivity, test norms, reliability and validity. In terms of reliability, these tests are shown to have provided the same findings following several takings. In short, they are consistent -- and this is the case with the MMPI-A, as the numerous studies have shown, including the three discussed above. In terms of validity, these tests have shown that they do indeed measure that which they set out to assess; in short, they are effective measuring tools. Reliability can be compared to validity in the sense that both are assessed by a degree of consistency (over time vs. accuracy) while they may be contrasted in the sense that the former is historically a suitable indicator if proper conditions are met, while the latter has simply been demonstrated as capable of indicating what is being tested.

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Conclusion

The fundamental questions regarding psychological testing refer to the interpretive scores that these tests give, which may be open to interpretation, based on personal history, context, curve, etc. Because these interpretations can also be based on the type of framework utilized for coding the responses, the questions regarding the reliability and validity of these tests can be controversial or disputed if certain criteria are not met or followed precisely. Thus, while the MMPI -- A has shown reliability and validity over time, it has continued to evolved and be tweaked by researchers looking for even more effectiveness. In effect, psychological testing requires a high degree of human element in the distribution of the test and the interpretation so there is always some possibility that a fallacy can be committed. Thus, the extent to which psychological testing is effective may be taken a hundred different ways, and the MMPI -- A is no exception. The MMPI -- A will allow the therapist to reach the goal of treating Jared but at the same time, it will only work so long as Jared is willing to cooperate in his own treatment process. Thus, the human factor perpetuates the crux of the problem of reliability.

References

Butcher, J., Williams, C., Graham, J., Archer, R., Tellegen, A., Ben-Porath, Y.,

Kaemmer, B. (1992). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory -- Adolescent Version (MMPI-A): Manual for administration, scoring and interpretation. MN: University of Minneapolis Press.

Butcher, J., Williams, C. (2009). Personality assessment with the mmpi-2: historical roots, international adaptations, and current challenges. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 1(1): 105-135.

Gass, C., Odland, A. (2014). MMPI-2 symptom validity (FBS) scale: psychometric characteristics and limitations in a Veterans Affairs neuropsychological setting. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 21(2): 1-8.

Handel, R., Archer, R., Elkins, D., Mason, J., Simonds-Bisbee, E. (2011). Psychometric

properties of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory -- Adolescent (MMPI-A) Clinical, Content, and Supplementary Scales in a Forensic Sample. Journal of Personality Assessment, 93(6): 566-581.

Pinsoneault, T. (2014).… READ MORE

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