The Effects of Testing Circumstance and Education Level on MMPI-2 Correction Scale Scores

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is used by the Federal Aviation Administration to assess psychopathology in air traffic control specialist applicants after a conditional offer of employment is extended. Two groups are compared in this study on their level of Scale K, which is used as a measure of defensiveness (putting one’s best foot forward – “faking good”), but which may be influenced by socioeconomic status and education. Group 1 had already been hired and took the MMPI-2 as part of a voluntary research protocol while in training. Group 2 took the MMPI-2 as part of their medical screening process for hiring. There was a significant difference between the two groups (2 indicated a higher level of K than 1) on the level of K, suggesting that K is likely measuring defensiveness. Group 1 faced no consequences for their results, while Group 2 faced potential additional psychological assessment as a consequence of their MMPI-2 performance, and possibly even ultimate medical disqualification. While the hypothesis that groups would differ on K as a function of testing circumstances was supported, the hypothesis that K would rise as a function of education was not.

• Record URL:
  http://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/2010s/media/201003.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57098
• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, P.O. Box 25082
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73125

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Office of Aerospace Medicine, 800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Authors:
  • Williams, Clara A
  • King, Raymond E
• Publication Date: 2010-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 18p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air traffic controllers; Education; Flight personnel; Psychological tests; Selection and appointment
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Aviation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01156924
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FAA/AM-10/3
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 24 2010 2:08PM