Concurrent validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale: mixed-group validation

Area of Science:

• Psychological assessment
• Addiction research
• Clinical psychology

Background:

• The MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC) is a tool used in psychological assessments.
• Assessing the concurrent validity of diagnostic tools is crucial for their reliable application.
• Previous methods for validating alcoholism scales have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the concurrent validity of the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC).
• To employ the mixed-group validation procedure for assessing the MAC scale.
• To determine the MAC scale's effectiveness across different population base rates.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the mixed-group validation procedure developed by Dawes and Meehl (1966).
• Formed mixed groups with varying proportions of individuals at risk for alcoholism, based on family history.
• Observed the proportion of subjects exceeding specific MAC cutting scores.

Main Results:

• Validity coefficients ranged from .82 to 1.02 when a MAC cutting score of 24 was applied.
• These coefficients were obtained across different assumed base rates of alcoholism.
• The obtained validity estimates were comparable to those derived from studies using known alcoholics.

Conclusions:

• The MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale (MAC) demonstrates robust concurrent validity.
• The scale's validity is maintained across diverse population base rates.
• The MAC scale is a reliable instrument for identifying potential alcohol abuse.