Seven Issues in Conducting Forensic Assessments: Ethical Responsibilities in Light of New Standards and New Tests

• NCJ Number: 156313
• Journal: Ethics and Behavior Volume: 3 Issue: 3 and 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 267-288
• Author(s): J N Butcher; K S Pope
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Ethical aspects of forensic assessments are discussed.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to note seven major issues confronting forensic psychologists and others who use psychological tests in light of the publication of a new ethics code for the American Psychological Association (1992), new guidelines (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, 1991), and two versions of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The seven issues explored are: appropriate graduate training; competence in the use of standardized tests; using tests that fit the task; using tests that fit the individual; administering tests correctly; using computers appropriately in forensic assessment; and assessing and reporting factors that may affect the meaning of test findings. The revision of the MMPI is used to illustrate some of these issues. The origins, psychometric characteristics, and methodology of the original MMPI and its two revised versions are summarized in the context of the examples presented. References