PERCEPTIONS OF MMPI ITEM SUBTLETY - INFLUENCES OF AGE AND ETHNICITY

This study examined the influences of age and ethnicity on perceived i tem subtlety in Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Sca les F and 9. One hundred twenty-one male adolescents (67 White, 54 Bla ck) rated the items composing these scares in terms of their relations hip to a psychological problem. The mean item ratings and subsequent s ubtle-obvious classifications were then compared to established rating s obtained from adults (Christian, Burkhart, and Gynther, 1978; Wiener , 1948). Results indicated significant differences in both item rating s and classifications between adolescents and adults on Scales F and 9 . Significant differences between Black and White adolescents were fou nd on Scale F but not on Scale 9, even when differences in verbal-comp rehension abilities between groups were considered. These results sugg est that it may be inappropriate to use current subtle-obvious keys wi th adolescents and minorities.