Abstract
AbstractUsers of multi-scale tests like the MMPI-2 tend not to interpret scales one at a time in a way that would correspond to standard scale-level reliability information. Instead, clinicians integrate inferences from a multitude of scales simultaneously, producing a descriptive narrative that is thought to characterize the examinee. This study was an attempt to measure the reliability of such integrated interpretations using a q-sort research methodology. Participants were 20 MMPI-2 users who responded to E-mail solicitations on professional listservs and in personal emails. Each participant interpreted one of two common MMPI-2 profiles using a q-set of 100 statements designed for MMPI-2 interpretation. To measure the “interpretive reliability” of the MMPI-2 profile interpretations, q-sort descriptions were intercorrelated. Mean pairwise interpretive reliability was .39, lower than expected, and there was no significant difference in reliability between profiles. There was also not a significant differ...
Highlights
Reliability is a fundamental property of measurement
This study reports on the “field reliability” of MMPI2 interpretations, that is, the degree to which practicing clinicians agree on the meaning of results from the MMPI-2
Interpretive reliability The 45 intercorrelations between the 10 participants who interpreted the 2,7 profile are presented below the diagonal of Table 1; the 45 intercorrelations of the 10 participants who interpreted the 6,8 profile are presented above the diagonal of Table 1
Summary
A great deal of research has focused on the reliability of clinical measurements, usually taken as the property of a set of scores on a single measuring scale. When evaluating the reliability of such instruments, one should consider the reliability of scores on independent scales, and the reliability of this integrated descriptive account. The reliability of this integrative product, has not often been examined, probably primarily for lack of convenient methodology. The present study demonstrates evaluation of what we call the “interpretive reliability” of results from a major clinical assessment instrument, the MMPI-2, using a q-sort methodology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
