A direct comparison of the MMPI-2 and the PAI in the detection of malingering
This study seeks to determine if the PAI is as effective as the MMPI-2 in detecting feigning. It also investigates their relative effectiveness in detecting feigned psychosis versus feigned depression. A third research question asks if the various indicators in the two personality inventories detect different participants as feigners, so that using both instruments together might provide more effective screening than using either one alone. The study uses a simulation design in which research participants (n = 46) were instructed to take both the MMPI-2 and the PAI feigning mental illness. One half of the subjects were instructed to feign severe depression, the other half psychosis. Subjects received instructions to try to be as believable as possible, and were informed that the instruments have indicators designed to detect deception. Subjects received compensation for participation and financial incentive to perform well. Overall, the MMPI-2 indicators in combination and the PAI indicators in combination were both effective in detecting feigning. The effectiveness of the individual indicators varied greatly. The MMPI-2's F and Fb scales were consistently the most accurate individual indicators, each detecting 80\% of feigners. The PAI's RDF was its most accurate indicator in detecting feigners. Although the PAI indicators were effective in combination, several of the individual indicators were ineffective. The CDF indicator was the worst, only identify 8.7\% of subjects feigning depression. The MMPI-2 scales correctly classified 83\% of individuals feigning psychosis. The PAI correctly identified 87\% of individuals who were faking psychosis. With regard to faking depression, the MMPI-2 identified 91\% of feigners. However, the PAI's ability to detect feigners was only slightly better than chance. The third hypothesis was that using both the MMPI-2 and the PAI together would be more effective than either measure alone. The findings are consistent with this hypothesis. When MMPI-2 and PAI were combined their ability to detect faking psychosis and depression increased significantly. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved)
https://www.upress.umn.edu/test-division/bibliography/2000-2009/2005/greene_direct_2005
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Carolyn Greene
(2005)
A direct comparison of the MMPI-2 and the PAI in the detection of malingering
PhD thesis.