The diagnostic accuracy and utility of MMPI and MCMI computer interpretive reports

Comparisons were made among the two most frequently used automated reports associated with the MMPI and that of the recently developed MCMI. Twenty-three clinicians rated computer-generated interpretive narratives for 100 of their patients in terms of the adequacy of the information they supplied, their descriptive accuracy, and the utility of the report format. Differences among interpretive reports were statistically evaluated, utilizing eta. The NCS Mayo MMPI system was appraised as less satisfactory than the other systems on almost all substantive and stylistic comparisons. Despite possible Barnum effects, both the Roche MMPI and the MCMI programs were rated as valid and useful. MCMI narratives were judged more accurate in assessing interpersonal relationships (eta = .52), personality traits (eta = .50) and coping styles (eta = .53).