Personality Attributes of the Criminal: An Analysis of Research Studies, 1950-65

Abstract

How definitive is the Schuessler-Cressey study of criminal personality characteristics published seventeen years ago? In examining ninety-four further studies in this area, the authors found that seventy-six (81 per cent) reported statistically signifi cant differences between a criminal or delinquent group and matched controls or standardized norms. Objective tests were found far more discriminating than projective ones, with the Pd scale of the MMPI and Gough's So scale the most consistent in this respect. Although the results are an improvement over those reported in the Schuessler-Cressey study, the same types of prob lems and criticisms generally prevailed.