title: The signer effect on MMPI performance of deaf respondents.
abstract: In order to determine the existence of a signer effect, two videotapes of the same 38 Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) critical items, translated into American Sign Language (ASL) and signed by different signers, were administered to 35 deaf adults. Results of this study demonstrate an insignificant signer effect and underscore the potential utility and practicality of future ASL translations of self-report tests for use with deaf individuals. Caveats for future translations include the necessity for constant attention to translation refinements and for utilizing native ASL users with appropriate training in psychology as signers.
authors.affiliation: Mental Health Research Program, Gallaudet Research Institute, Gallaudet University, Washington, DC 20002.
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Brauer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003638:Deafness / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008950:MMPI / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012813:Sign Language