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Verbal/performance splits in inmates assessed with the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery
J M Jones1, R W Barnett, J K McCormack
1State Reception and Diagnostic Center, Topeka, Kansas.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Incarcerated male felons often show higher performance scores than verbal scores on aptitude tests. This verbal/performance split is not linked to age, reading ability, or intelligence.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
Background:
- Verbal/performance (V/P) splits on cognitive assessments are observed in various populations.
- Understanding these splits in incarcerated individuals is crucial for accurate evaluation and potential interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the overrepresentation of V/P splits among incarcerated male felons.
- To determine if factors like age, reading level, or general intelligence correlate with these splits.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB) scores from 1,225 incarcerated adult males.
- Tabulation and statistical examination of verbal and performance score differences.
Main Results:
- A significant and consistent overrepresentation of V/P splits was found in the incarcerated felon group.
- Performance scores were typically higher than verbal scores in these individuals.
- The V/P split phenomenon was not found to be directly associated with age, reading level, or overall intelligence.
Conclusions:
- Incarcerated male felons exhibit a distinct pattern of higher performance relative to verbal aptitude.
- The observed V/P splits are likely independent of basic cognitive abilities and demographic factors like age and reading proficiency.
- Further research may explore underlying reasons for this specific aptitude profile in the criminal justice population.