MMPI MCQ 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which MMPI-2 validity scale detects a pattern of endorsing rare or unusual symptoms that most people with genuine disorders do not report?
- F scale (Correct answer)
- L scale
- K scale
- VRIN scale
Correct answer: F scale
The F (Infrequency) scale flags responses to items endorsed by fewer than 10% of the normative sample, suggesting exaggeration or random responding.
Question 2: On the MMPI-2, what does a significantly elevated K scale with a low F scale most likely indicate?
- Defensiveness and minimization of problems (Correct answer)
- Exaggeration of symptoms
- Random responding
- Severe psychopathology
Correct answer: Defensiveness and minimization of problems
A high K with low F suggests the test-taker is presenting themselves in an overly favorable light and underreporting psychological difficulties.
Question 3: Which clinical scale of the MMPI-2 is most directly associated with somatic complaints without organic basis?
- Scale 1 (Hypochondriasis) (Correct answer)
- Scale 3 (Hysteria)
- Scale 7 (Psychasthenia)
- Scale 8 (Schizophrenia)
Correct answer: Scale 1 (Hypochondriasis)
Scale 1 (Hs) measures the degree to which a person is preoccupied with bodily functioning and vague, unverifiable physical complaints.
Question 4: The MMPI-2 was re-standardized using a normative sample of approximately how many adults?
- 2,600 (Correct answer)
- 8,000
- 500
- 15,000
Correct answer: 2,600
The MMPI-2 normative sample consisted of approximately 2,600 adults drawn from several U.S. states to better represent the general population.
Question 5: Which two-point code type on the MMPI-2 is classically associated with antisocial behavior, rule violations, and conflicts with authority?
- 4-9/9-4 (Correct answer)
- 2-7/7-2
- 1-3/3-1
- 6-8/8-6
Correct answer: 4-9/9-4
The 4-9 code type combines psychopathic deviate and hypomania elevations, commonly linked to impulsivity, thrill-seeking, and disregard for social norms.
Question 6: What does the TRIN scale on the MMPI-2 specifically measure?
- Tendency to respond true or false to all items indiscriminately (Correct answer)
- Level of test-taking anxiety
- Faking good versus faking bad
- Consistency of item responses across similar content
Correct answer: Tendency to respond true or false to all items indiscriminately
The True Response Inconsistency (TRIN) scale identifies acquiescence bias, where respondents answer 'true' or 'false' to nearly everything without reading carefully.
Question 7: In MMPI-2 interpretation, a T-score at what threshold is conventionally considered clinically elevated?
- 65 (Correct answer)
- 50
- 70
- 80
Correct answer: 65
A T-score of 65 or above on the MMPI-2 is the standard cutoff indicating a clinically meaningful elevation on clinical scales.
MMPI MCQ 2
Which MMPI-2 validity scale detects a pattern of endorsing rare or unusual symptoms that most people with genuine disorders do not report?