title: Factor structure and validity of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal Adjudication.
abstract: Examination of the available literature regarding the development of the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Criminal Adjudication (MacCAT-CA) reveals 2 theoretical factor structures on which the MacCAT-CA was based: one in which 3 lower-order constructs are proposed (understanding, reasoning, appreciation) and one in which 2 higher-order constructs are proposed (competence to assist counsel and decisional competence). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with the MacCAT-CA's original normative sample (N = 729) to test both the relative fit of these 2 theoretical factor structures and models that combine the 2 factor structures. Analyses were also completed to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of the MacCAT-CA. Results are discussed in terms of the strengths and weaknesses of the nomothetic nature of the MacCAT-CA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, New York City, NY 10019-1128, USA. pzapf@jjay.cuny.edu
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Zapf
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Skeem
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Golding
mesh_terms: D003417:Criminal Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000523:psychology*; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results