Peyrot1995a
| Peyrot1995a | |
|---|---|
| BibType | ARTICLE |
| Key | Peyrot1995a |
| Author(s) | Mark Peyrot |
| Title | Psychological testing and forensic decision-making: The properties-in-use of the MMPI |
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| Tag(s) | EMCA, Ethnography, Forensics, Psychological Testing |
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| Year | 1995 |
| Language | English |
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| Journal | Social Problems |
| Volume | 42 |
| Number | 4 |
| Pages | 574-586 |
| URL | Link |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.2307/3097047 |
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Abstract
This paper reports an ethnographic study of the use of psychological testing in decision making by a forensic psychiatry organization that makes recommendations to the courts regarding criminal justice, child custody, and workmen's compensation cases. Psychological testing using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) supports the decision-making process. Through a variety of interpretive practices, the staff deals with contradictions between the MMPI and other clinical information, while maintaining the sense that the MMPI is a valuable tool that can provide valid assessments. Test results are generally accepted when they indicate a client problem but are likely to be rejected when they indicate no problem and other clinical information suggests that a problem does exist. The logic associated with these interpretive practices is examined.
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