standardization group. A high F score may
suggest deviant response sets, markedly aberrant
behavior, or other hypotheses about extra test
characteristics or behaviors.- L (Lie) Scale. This includes 15 items whose
endorsement places the respondent in a very
positive light. In reality, however, it is unlikely
that the items would be truthfully so endorsed.
For example,“I like everyone I meet.” - K (Defensiveness) Scale. These 30 items suggest
defensiveness in admitting certain problems.
These items purportedly detect faking good,
but they are more subtle than either L or F
items. For example,“Criticism from others
never bothers me.”
In addition to the four traditional validity scales,
three“new”validity scales can be scored from the
MMPI-2.- Fb (Back-page Infrequency) Scale. These 40 items
occurring near the end of the MMPI-2 are
infrequently endorsed. - VRIN (Variable Response Inconsistency) Scale.
This consists of 67 pairs of items with either
BOX8-1 Clinical Psychologist Perspective: Yossef S. Ben-Porath, Ph.D.Dr. Yossef Ben-Porath is a Professor of Psychology at
Kent State University. He specializes in psychological
assessment, particularly the use of the MMPI instru-
ments, the MMPI-2 and MMPI-A, and the recently
introduced MMPI-2-RF (Restructured Form) in clinical
and forensic settings. In addition, he studies the use of
computers in psychological assessment and how indivi-
duals cope with various forms of stress. Dr. Ben-Porath
is the author of numerous articles, book chapters, and
books on psychological assessment, and he frequently
leads workshops on the clinical applications of the
MMPI instruments. He is a co-author of the new, 338-
item version of the test. Finally, he currently serves as
associate editor for the journalPsychological Assess-
ment. We had a chance to ask Dr. Ben-Porath several
questions concerning his background, activities, and
predictions for the future.What originally got indiscriminantly clinical
psychology?
I became interested in clinical psychology as an under-
graduate psychology major at the University of Haifa in
Israel. Coursework in abnormal and personality psy-
chology piqued my interest, and opportunities to
become involved in research projects in this area led to
my decision to pursue graduate training in clinical
psychology. One of my undergraduate professors, Dr.
Moshe Almagor, had recently earned his Ph.D. at the
University of Minnesota and was doing research in the
area of clinical personality assessment. I found this
research intriguing because of its applied nature and
its implications for clinical practice. Eventually, I too
received my graduate training in clinical psychology at
the University of Minnesota.Describe what activities you are involved in as a
clinical psychologist.
My primary activities as a clinical psychologist are
related to my duties as a faculty member in the
Department of Psychology at Kent State University. At
Kent, I teach various psychology undergraduate and
graduate classes, I supervise the research activities of
students ranging from undergraduate students doing
honors research to graduate students working on their
doctoral dissertations, and I conduct my own research. I
also serve as co-director of a series of continuing edu-
cation training seminars designed to bring clinicians
up-to-date on recent developments with the MMPI
instruments. In addition to my university work, I have a
part-time clinical practice in forensic psychology. My
clinical activities involve conducting various court-
ordered evaluations, including examinations of defen-
dants’competence to stand trial and pleas of not guilty
by reason of insanity, and commitment evaluations. I
also consult to various government and law enforce-
ment agencies on use of the MMPI instruments in
screening candidates for public safety positions.What are your particular areas of expertise or interest?
My primary interest is in clinical assessment. My area of
expertise is in use of the MMPI instruments in applied
psychological assessment. My research is designed to
provide empirical data to guide psychologists who use
these tests in a variety of applied settings. Most
recently I completed a major project that resulted in
the introduction of a new version of the MMPI, the
MMPI-2-RF. My co-author, Auke Tellegen, and I spent
several years exploring ways to modernize the226 CHAPTER 8