Computerized adaptive assessment with the MMPI-2 in a clinical setting

Comparability, validity, and impact of loss of information of a computerize d adaptive administration of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventor y-2 (MMPI-2) were assessed in a sample of 140 Veterans Affairs hospital pat ients. The countdown method (Butcher, Keller, & Bacon, 1985) was used to ad aptively administer Scales L (Lie) and F (Frequency), the 10 clinical scale s, and the 15 content scales. Participants completed the MMPI-2 twice, in 1 of 2 conditions: computerized conventional test-retest, or computerized co nventional-computerized adaptive. Mean profiles and test-retest correlation s across modalities were comparable. Correlations between MMPI-2 scales and criterion measures supported the validity of the countdown method, althoug h some attenuation of validity was suggested for certain health-related ite ms. Loss of information incurred with with this mode of adaptive resting ha s minimal impact on test validity. Item and time savings were substantial.