MMPI experimental scale correlates of the MAACL--R with male alcoholics.

Concurrent and discriminative validity of the MAACL--R scales were studied by means of correlations with selected MMPI experimental scales (AR, DR, HOS, Poor Morale, and ES) for a sample of 88 male VA alcoholics. Concurrent validity of Anxiety, Depression, Hostility and PASS, and discriminative validity of the Anxiety scale were confirmed.     

MMPI scale development methodology

A multitude of special MMPI scales have been developed without sufficient consideration for the methodology of empirical scale construction. Suggestions are presented in this article regarding the selection of items for a new MMPI scale and the tasks needed for the evaluation of a new scale. An investigator who develops a new MMPI scale should consider (a) the need for K corrections of scale scores, and (b) the possibility that the information provided by the special scale can also be obtained from the standard MMPI scales.     

MMPI scale development methodology reconsidered

Levitt's (1978) critique of my earlier suggestions regarding MMPI scale development methodology (Clopton, 1978b) correctly noted that scales have been developed by a variety of methods in addition to empirical scale construction, but two of Levitt's other criticisms were mistaken. After Levitt's criticisms are considered, some additional suggestions are provided regarding the empirical development of new MMPI scales.     

Behavioral,psychological, and historical correlates of MacAndrew scale scores among male alcoholics

Male alcoholic veterans (N=194) were divided into four groups on the basis of their scores on the MacAndrew scale (MAC) of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and compared on psychological and sociodemographic measures and self-reported alcohol, drug, and legal histories. Nineteen subjects scored in the nonalcoholic (NA) range of the MAC (i.e., false negatives, MAC23). Remaining subjects, scoring in the alcoholic range of the MAC, were divided into thirds by MAC scores (lowest third, L-MAC=24–28,n=53; middle third, M-MAC=29–31,n=63; highest third, H-MAC>31,n=59). Groups did not differ on age, any important sociodemographic variables, or scores on the Profile of Mood States, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90, or Rod and Frame Test. Significant group differences were obtained on several MMPI scales. Lower MAC scores were associated with higher scores onL, K, D, andR, and lower scores onMa. There was also a tendency for subjects with lower MAC scores to score higher onSi. NA subjects began drinking and heavy drinking later than other subjects, although groups did not differ on duration, quantity, or frequency of drinking. Subjects with higher MAC scores more often reported drinking in bars, drinking liquor straight, alcohol-related job disruptions, and previous use of marijuana, hallucinogens, and barbiturates. Subjects with higher MAC scores had more often been arrested, convicted, fined, and jailed for alcohol-related offenses but not for other offenses. Results are examined with respect to MacAndrew's distinction between primary and secondary alcoholics and with respect to the possible relations of MAC to important person variables such as sensation seeking.The authors wish to thank Craig MacAndrew for his helpful critical reading of an early draft of this paper. We also thank Theresa Hilliard, Shirley White, Vicki Brumbelow, and Pam Thompson for editorial assistance and Audrey Jefferson for help with data preparation.     

Construction and cross-validation of an MMPI Black-White scale

A robust set of MMPI items, sensitive to the effect of race (Blacks versus Whites), was constructed by compiling the results of six prior studies. Thirty-two items comprised the MMPI B-W scale. The scale was cross-validated on psychiatric patients and police cadets. Statistically significant mean differences were found between races in both groups, with 83% and 60% correct racial classification, respectively. These findings suggested that when used as a clinical instrument, the MMPI might pick up nonpathology-related racial variance contributing to scale devotion biased against the black respondent, but the degree of nonpathology-related racial scale score covariance has yet to be determined. For future research, the B-W scale was proposed as a set of standard queries in studies assessing connotative meaning for Black-White contrast groups, and to index "functional" as opposed to "objective" race membership.