Detecting and discriminating between random responding and overreporting on the MMPI-A

The utility of traditional validity scales in detecting random responding a nd overreporting on the MMPI-A and in discriminating between these two resp onse sets was investigated in a sample of 89 clinical and nonclinical adole scents aged 14 to 17 years. The overreporting group consisted of 24 nonclin ical adolescents instructed to complete the MMPI-A as if they were trying t o create an impression of psychological disturbance. The random group inclu ded 20 nonclinical adolescents instructed to complete the MMPI-A answer she et without access to the test booklet. Clinical (n = 20) and nonclinical (n = 25) standard groups completed the MMPI-A under the standard instructions . Results showed that validity scales designed to detect random responding and overreporting on the MMPI-A were quite effective in doing so. Significa nt differences between groups and high classification rates were noted. In addition, the VRINscale was found to be sensitive only to random responding , whereas Scale Fwas sensitive to both random responding and overreporting. Scale L also was found to be sensitive to random responding, and support f or the utility of the F-K index in identifying overreported adolescent prof iles was obtained.