Accuracy of Megargee's Criminal Offender Infrequency (Fc) Scale in Detecting Malingering Among Forensic Examinees

Abstract

E. I. Megargee (2004) developed a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) Infrequency scale for use in criminal settings called the Criminal Offender Infrequency (Fc) scale. This study compared Fc with 7 other MMPI-2 validity scales in detecting malingering by obtaining archival data from evaluations of male inmates that used the MMPI-2 and the Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS). Participants were placed into groups based on the SIRS results: feigning, honest, or indeterminate. Prediction accuracy analyses were conducted for the MMPI-2 scales in differentiating honest from feigning participants. A cutoff of Fc > 14 produced the highest hit rate of any cutoff on all of the scales examined. Results from this study suggest Fc may be a useful addition to the MMPI-2 for detecting malingering in criminal settings.