The test-retest index and high F MMPI profiles

Abstract

Using the Test‐Retest (TR) Index, male psychiatric inpatients (N = 87) with very high MMPI F scale scores (T > 90) were designated either consistent or inconsistent responders. Inconsistent MMPI responding was associated with psychotic thought disorder and abstract reasoning deficits, which suggests that these Ss were too confused to conscientiously complete the MMPI. Consistent responders endorsed more obvious pathological items of the MMPI. The two groups did not differ in vocabulary intelligence, and their mean MMPI profiles were very similar. Uses of the TR Index for clarifying the meaning of high F MMPI profiles are discussed.

A graded response model for measuring person reliability

“…From an applied point of view, estimation of individual fluctuation has been considered of potential interest mainly for two reasons. First, fluctuation scores may be related to certain variables, such as conscientiousness (Austin, Deary, Gibson, McGregor, & Dent, 1998; Lanning, 1991), self‐presentation (Johnson, 1981), impulsivity control (Reise & Waller, 1993), advice seeking (Baumeister & Tice, 1988), and disordered thinking (Evans, 1984). Second, individual fluctuation might act as a moderator variable (Chaplin, 1991; Goldberg, 1978; Hofstee & Smid, 1986; Tellegen, 1988).…”

A Pearson-Type-VII item response model for assessing person fluctuation

“…In several studies, different within-session measures of variability showed a certain degree of convergent validity (Austin, Deary, Gibson, McGregor, & Dent, 1998;Chaplin, 1991;Cummings, 1939;Fekken & Holden, 1987Fiske & Rice, 1955;Goldberg, 1978;Reise & Waller, 1993;Schneiderman, 1980). Also, within-session measures of variability showed meaningful relations with some carefully selected variables, such as conscientiousness (Austin et al, 1998;Lanning, 1991), selfpresentation (Johnson, 1981), control (Reise & Waller, 1993), advice seeking (Baumeister & Tice, 1988), and disordered thinking (Evans, 1984). However, evidence on the second point is generally deceptive.…”