Validity of Million's computerized interpretation system for the MCMI: comment on Moreland and Onstad

Moreland and Onstad (1987) reported the results of a "controlled study" to determine the incremental validity of Million's computerized interpretive system for the Million Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) in relation to the Barnum effect. Eight clinicians rated the accuracy of actual case reports and paired control reports that were randomly generated but designated experimental. However, in view of several limitations of their experimental design and statistical analyses, the authors may have prematurely concluded that the perceived accuracy of the interpretive system exceeds a Barnum base rate.