Peyrot1995a

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Peyrot1995a
BibType ARTICLE
Key Peyrot1995a
Author(s) Mark Peyrot
Title Psychological testing and forensic decision-making: the properties-in-use of the MMPI
Editor(s)
Tag(s) EMCA, Ethnography, Forensics, Psychological Testing
Publisher
Year 1995
Language English
City
Month
Journal Social Problems
Volume 42
Number 4
Pages 574–586
URL Link
DOI 10.2307/3097047
ISBN
Organization
Institution
School
Type
Edition
Series
Howpublished
Book title
Chapter

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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.

Notes