The convergent validity of MMPI and Rorschach scales: An extension using profile scores to define response and character styles on both methods and areexamination of simple Rorschach response frequency

Past research indicated the convergence of Rorschach and MMPI scales may be a function of (a) simple Rorschach response frequency (R) or (b) complex r esponse-character styles on both methods. In this study, new criteria were developed for defining the second assumption using F and K from the MMPI an d R and Lambda from the Rorschach. Although substantially different from th e factor criteria used previously (kappa s =.45 and .30), the new criteria still produced the expected pattern of correlations among MMPI and Rorschac h scales. Averaged across 17 constructs, the new criteria produced strong v alidity coefficients for patients with similar styles (M composite r = .50) , though they were less effective for patients with discordant styles (M co mposite r = -.27). It was also demonstrated that R by itself does not moder ate convergent validity. Rather, statistical modeling with two sets of 300 random samples (a) demonstrated the prior findings related to R were the re sult of sampling error and (b) supported the general hypothesis that Rorsch ach and MMPI scales correlate to the extent response-character styles corre late. Implications are considered.