The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 is a test used to measure the psychopathology of adults. Typically, this test is used to measure the mental health of individuals already suspected of having mental health issues. The test is based on 10 different scales and use actual test items that differentiate people from the norm. The ten clinical scales include hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, masculinity-femininity, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, hypomania and social introversion. Each scale is intended to measure these specific abnormal behavior traits in an individual. Portions of the test are also general questions regarding honesty on the test and attitude. Once an individual completes the test, a psychologist drafts a report interpreting the results of the test. The report will typically include the attitude of the individual regarding the actual test, the symptoms of the individual, the individual’s personality traits, a diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Individuals that take the MMPI-2 self-report their psychological state through the answering of yes and no questions. The normative scale for the tests was developed with a sample of two thousand six hundred people. . The norms were men and women adults both male and female from various regions and diverse communities throughout the United States. No separate cultural norms were used for any minority group. The best way to interpret a profile from a non-Caucasian individual is to consider the possibility of bias in the results.
In order to produce an unbiased psychological evaluation and report, Reynolds and Suzuki suggest, based on their research and review on the topic, that referral sources should be investigated because their research discovered that bias may in the referral of services for individuals. They also suggest that an inspection of the data used to develop a particular psychological evaluation would be inspected for bias in the statistical analysis of the report. Use of reliable measure as well as the assessment of multiple abilities can ensure the absence of bias. Reynolds and Suzuki conclude by recommending that clinicians use a variety of sources to make a decision on the treatment of any particular individual, being aware of the entire background regarding the individual .
Additionally, in order to ensure unbiased evaluations, there are several ethical and multicultural issues that must be addressed. The evaluator must be aware of issues of diversity and have at least a general knowledge of the variety of individuals that will seek evaluation and treatment. Since culture is part of who we are, the culture of the individual being evaluated must be considered along with his or her background, experience, and beliefs, Professional ethics require competent services and competent services require an understanding of diversity. There must be an awareness of the role differences of individuals as well as particular individual traits. Social norms vary as do cultural expectations, thus these must be considered as well, or a biased evaluation or report will result. .
References
Butcher, J. N. (2016). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory - 2. Retrieved from Clinical Psychology: http://www.pearsonclinical.com/psychology/products/100000461/minnesota-multiphasic-personality-inventory-2-mmpi-2.html
Drayton, M. (2009). The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 (MMPI-2). Retrieved from Oxford Journals: http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/59/2/135.full
Leung, C. V., & Barnett, J. (2016). Multicultural Assessment and Ethical Practice. Retrieved from http://www.geocities.ws/dr_charlton/MulticulturalAssessmentandEthicalPractice.pdf
Reynolds, C. R., & Suzuki, L. A. (n.d.). Bias in Psychological Assessment. 82-113.
