NCJ Number
139789
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1992) Pages: 503-516
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Current phallometric test practices are described in relation to criminal justice and community responses to these cases.
Abstract
Available research evidence fails to provide clear support for the use of phallometric data in clinical and legal decision-making processes and particularly in regard to men who have not admitted offenses. Phallometric tests often have not been validated in a manner that directly parallels their use in actual practice, that is, to make diagnostic inferences about particular cases. The few long-term treatment effectiveness studies provide only weak support for the predictive value of phallometric data. An increasing use of phallometric tests in child abuse cases has been accompanied by widespread grievances and increased concerns about unsound and unethical test procedures. Despite significant improvements, standards for minimal levels of technical adequacy and professional consensus on test administration and scoring are lacking. Consequently, current legal and community applications of phallometric tests must be considered highly questionable. 46 references