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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Cross-Modal Multivariate Pattern Analysis
Published on: November 9, 2011
Comparison of two methods of MMPI-2 profile classification.
1Western Michigan University, USA. patrick.munley@wmich.edu
Psychological Reports
|November 22, 2000
Summary
The highest scale and best-fit methods for matching MMPI-2 profiles show moderate agreement. Profile code-type definition influences the accuracy of these MMPI-2 profile matches.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Psychometrics
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is a widely used psychological assessment tool.
- Accurate classification of MMPI-2 profiles into code types is crucial for clinical interpretation.
- Discrepancies can arise between different methods of profile matching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the agreement between the highest scale method and the best-fit method in classifying MMPI-2 profiles.
- To identify MMPI-2 profile characteristics associated with agreement or disagreement between these two matching methods.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 519 MMPI-2 profiles was analyzed.
- Profiles were classified using both the highest scale method and the best-fit method.
- Code-type matches were categorized as identical, similar, or different.
- Profile characteristics including elevation, dispersion, and code-type definition were examined.
Main Results:
- Identical code-type matches occurred in 30% of cases, similar matches in 39%, and different matches in 31%.
- Profile code-type definition significantly differed across the three match groups.
- Profiles with identical or similar matches exhibited greater code-type definition compared to those with different matches.
Conclusions:
- The highest scale and best-fit methods demonstrate moderate agreement in MMPI-2 profile classification.
- MMPI-2 profile characteristics, particularly code-type definition, play a role in the concordance of these matching methods.
- Less well-defined MMPI-2 profiles are more likely to result in differing code-type classifications.
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