Theoretical and practical implications of previous research on plethysmography in the assessment and modification of sexual preferences has been limited by insufficient attention to definitional and procedural issues and sample heterogeneity. This paper reviews current theory and research on the use of the penile plethysmograph to diagnose or predict sexual deviance and to monitor therapeutic change in the modification of sexual preferences. Phallometric tests are discussed in terms of the basic components of the measurement technique, evidence of technical adequacy, and general principles underlying their use. The review points to a need to guard against false expectations and erroneous conclusions about sexual deviance based on this measurement technique. A case is made for closer attention to previously untested working assumptions and issues of definition, etiology, and measurement. Directions for future research are proposed.
This study examined the predictive validity of the newly developed Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) for age-graded groups. A 4-year prediction interval was used, and criterion measures were the WISC-R and the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery. Stepwise multiple regressions were used to assess the value of individual MAP subscales as predictor variables. In addition, correlations between the MAP Total Score and criterion measures were calculated for all six age categories specified for the MAP. Results are discussed in terms of the instability of developmental status among young children and the need to assess skill domains that are relatively stable at an early age.
Evidence of predictive validity is an essential basis for theselection and useof a screening instrument. In the area of developmental screening such information is typically assessed by two methods: correlational analysis and classificational analysis. This paper describes each methodology and reviews their relative advantages and disadvantages in relation to theearly identification of developmental handicaps and risks.
This study examined the idea that psychopathology can be used to avoid responsibility for undesirable behavior. Subjects responded to vignettes describing either male or female protagonists involved in one of two situations: domestic violence or poor job performance. There were three levels of information on psychopathology: (I) no symptoms, (2) current symptoms of depression, and (3) symptoms combined with consistency information about depression. Subjects answered questions that assessed the excuse value of depression in terms of attributions, sanctions, and behavioral expectations. Depressive symptoms significantly reduced attributions of personal responsibility across situations. Symptoms led to less punitive sanctions for the female protagonist in the abuse situation, and for both males and females in the job situation. Depressed symptoms had to be accompanied by consistency information to lower behavioral expectations in the job situation. The findings are discussed in terms of the social basis for self handicapping strategies.
The Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP) is a developmental test, a stated purpose of which is to identify children at risk for future school-related problems. In this article we call attention to ambiguities and omissions in previous reviews of three longitudinal studies that evaluated the MAP's predictive accuracy. A closer look at the original studies reveals that the test displays unacceptably high error rates in predicting members of the target population. We conclude that the MAP has not been validated for its intended purpose. Professional practitioners are urged to evaluate whether claims of test validity meet the standards of scientific evidence.
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