MMPI Test History and Development 2

Question 1

What was the primary methodological approach used to select items for the original MMPI?

Accepted Answer

Empirical criterion keying comparing normals to psychiatric patients

Answer

Hathaway and McKinley used empirical criterion keying, selecting items that statistically differentiated clinical groups from normal controls regardless of face validity.

Question 2

The MMPI-2 normative sample collected in the late 1980s consisted of approximately how many adults?

Accepted Answer

1,138 men and 1,462 women from seven states

Answer

The MMPI-2 restandardization project collected data from 2,600 adults (1,138 men and 1,462 women) across seven states to create a more representative normative sample.

Question 3

Which feature distinguished the MMPI-A from the MMPI-2 in terms of its normative base?

Accepted Answer

It established separate norms for adolescents aged 14–18

Answer

The MMPI-A (1992) established distinct normative data based on adolescents aged 14–18, recognizing that adult norms were inappropriate for this population.

Question 4

What term describes the MMPI's original item-selection strategy, where items were retained solely because they separated groups, not because of their content meaning?

Accepted Answer

Empirical keying

Answer

Empirical keying means items are selected purely on the basis of statistical group differentiation, without regard to their apparent or theoretical content meaning.

Question 5

Starke Hathaway's professional background before developing the MMPI was primarily in which field?

Accepted Answer

Physiological and clinical psychology

Answer

Hathaway was a psychologist with training in physiological psychology and clinical assessment, which shaped his empirical, data-driven approach to personality measurement.

MMPI - Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Practice Test

MMPI - Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Practice Test

MMPI Test History and Development 2