This study investigated the degree to which individual scales and multivariate combinations of scales on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the California Psychological Inventory (CPI) could predict criteria of adjustment in prison. Subjects were 1,313 inmates at a Federal Correctional Institution who were admitted over a 2-year period. Two thirds of the sample was used as a derivation sample and one third was used for cross-validation. The criteria of adjustment were ratings made by custodial personnel, work supervisors, and teachers, as well as disciplinary infractions, days in disciplinary segregation, and days in sick call. The results provided support for the construct validity of several MMPI and CPI scales, but the absolute magnitude of the associations was low. Combinations of MMPI and CPI scales produced higher multiple correlations but generally did not hold up on cross-validation. It was concluded that neither the MMPI or CPI scales or weighted linear combinations thereof provide enough accuracy to be used alone for individual actuarial prediction.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.