NCJ Number
186859
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2000 Pages: 41-44
Editor(s)
William U. Weiss Dr.
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Validity scale data have received recent attention as a source of valuable information about potential problems in police officer candidates, and in the current study validity scale data from a number of selection instruments were obtained using 42 State police officer candidates.
Abstract
The scales used were the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) L and K scales, the PAI Positive Impression Scale, the PAI Defensiveness Index, the IPI Guardedness Scale, the Hilson Life Adjustment Profile Lack of Candor scale, and the Inwald Survey 2 Denial of Shortcomings Scale. Inter-correlations among the scales were developed and factor analysis was performed. Factor analysis revealed two factors to be present. One was associated with the Hilson scale and was appropriately named guardedness or defensiveness. The other was associated with the MMPI-2 K scale and the PAI scale and was appropriately named social desirability. The MMPI-2 L scale loaded significantly on both factors and seemed to be the most general of the validity scales in terms of its characteristics. Implications of the analysis for police selection are discussed. 10 references and 2 tables