Issues surrounding psychological testing of minority patients

Psychological testing of minority patients is a frequently debated issue, not only in the scientific literature, but in the mass media, the courts, and legislative bodies. A historical overview of the controversy illustrates past abuses in such testing, but a closer look at methodological issues concerning cognitive-intellectual tests and objective personality assessment illustrates that the tests can be appropriately used with minority patients. Suggestions for appropriate use, backed by case illustrations, include gaining an understanding of a patient's cultural background; using interpreters and culture-appropriate reinforcers; supplementing formal testing with informal procedures; making sure patients understand required tasks; and taking into account ethnicity and social class during interpretation of results.