A Simple Set of Salient Weights for the Major Dimensions of MMPI Scale Variation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the factor structure of the MMPI's 14 basic scales can be represented by quantities that are familiar to users. These are: (a) the equally weighted sum of Scales F, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 0 (profile elevation), (b) the equally weighted sum of Scales L and K minus Scale F (test-taking attitudes or "faking good" vs. "faking bad"), (c) the equally weighted sum of Scales 2 and 0 vs. Scale 9 ("Optimism" vs. "Pessimism"), (d) Scale? alone, and (e) Scale 5 alone. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that these weights reproduce MMPI scale intercorrelations well in two large, but rather different samples of 1000 protocols each, respectively derived from job applicants to positions requiring screening for emotional stability and inmates in the Federal Correctional System. Further replications were conducted using data from psychiatric outpatients and theology students.