Clinical and research implications of revising psychological tests

This article integrates those of other contributors to this special section, "Methods and Implications of Revising Assessment Instruments," to underscore important conceptual factors to consider when undertaking test revisions. These considerations include determination of when test measures have become sufficiently understood to be incorporated in a test revision, cohort effects, revision of administration formats and test instructions, and comparisons of performance levels across test versions. The discussion of these factors also takes into consideration clinical practice and educational implications of making a transition to revised test versions.     

A micro-film projector method for psychological tests

Adaptations of the micro-film projection method to the administration of both individual and group psychological tests are described, together with newly designed auxiliary equipment. The author cites examples of the application of this technique, which can be adapted to a variety of testing situations and which seems to be of unusual promise because of the attention value of visual projection.     

Predicting the outcome of behaviour therapy by psychological tests

A battery of psychological tests was devised, and used in an attempt to predict the outcome of behaviour therapy. Nineteen patients who requested treatment for transvestism were tested, and thirteen of these subsequently presented for treatment. The patients were grouped into those who failed to attend for treatment, those who were treated and apparently ‘cured’, and those who relapsed after the completion of treatment. Comparison of the test results in these groups showed that statistically acceptable differentiation could be obtained from the results of the Neuroticism scale of the MPI, the results of verbal conditioning, and the scores on the Slater Masculinity-Femininity Interest scale. It is argued that these results imply that the symptomatology of the recovered group compared with that of the other groups, was less complex and extensive. Some of the theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.     

Discriminating violent individuals by means of various psychological tests

Attempted to clarify the 43/4-8(8-4) controversy and further research the relationship between assaultiveness and other non-MMPI measures. Sixty-one male adolescent prisoners divided into four groups according to Race and Level of Assaultiveness served as subjects for this study. Each prisoner was administered the MMPI, the Buss-Durkee Hostility Scale and the Rotter I-E scale. The results suggest that the 4-3 code type is not an accurate predictor of violence; that elevations of F4897&6 describe the offender population (with) 8-4 describing the violent profile type); and that the Buss-Durkee Hostility scale may be valuable in assessing the violent personality.     

A console for the interactive on-line administration of psychological tests

A computer controlled console for on-line psychological testing of psychiatric patients is described. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the Kelly Role Construct Repertory Test are computer administered using three visual, one auditory, and two response modes. Test data are analyzed, interpreted, and incorporated into a program-written psychological report. Benefits and other applications from such a system are noted.