title: Perceptions of MMPI item subtlety: influences of age and ethnicity.
abstract: This study examined the influences of age and ethnicity on perceived item subtlety in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Scales F and 9. One hundred twenty-one male adolescents (67 White, 54 Black) rated the items composing these scales in terms of their relationship to a psychological problem. The mean item ratings and subsequent subtle-obvious classifications were then compared to established ratings obtained from adults (Christian, Burkhart, & Gynther, 1978; Wiener, 1948). Results indicated significant differences in both item ratings and classifications between adolescents and adults on Scales F and 9. Significant differences between Black and White adolescents were found on Scale F but not on Scale 9, even when differences in verbal-comprehension abilities between groups were considered. These results suggest that it may be inappropriate to use current subtle-obvious keys with adolescents and minorities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0256.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Herkov
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Gynther
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Greer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000367:Age Factors; D006801:Humans; D008950:MMPI / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*