NCJ Number
93489
Date Published
1982
Length
32 pages
Annotation
The Carlson Psychological Survey (CPS) is a new instrument for the assessment and classification of criminal offenders, persons charged with crimes, and others who have come to the attention of the criminal justice or the social welfare system.
Abstract
The CPS was designed to reflect the unique situation of these individuals as well as the atypical reasons for referral. More generally, it is useful with any persons presenting behavioral or substance abuse problems. The CPS is a 50-item questionnaire designed specifically to overcome the difficulties encountered in using standardized tests with offender populations. Only minimal literacy demands are placed upon respondents: the average reading difficulty of the items is about a grade four level. In addition, a five-category response format is used, along with space for additional respondent comments. The scale scores provided by the CPS represent one validity check and four content areas: chemical abuse, though disturbance, antisocial tendencies, and self-depreciation. The CPS can be handscored. A profile sheet graphically displays the five scale scores in standardized form. The CPS offers information for classifying respondents in 18 offender types. Tables, figures, and a list of 16 references are provided. Two appendixes show percentile scores and give a reference guide for inmate classification.