Efficiency of Local MMPI Norms in the Detection of Psychopathology

Abstract

The standard MMPI was compared with the MMPI based on local norms for hit rate between a patient and nonpatient sample. Using the patient group only, a comparison was also made between the two sets of norms to determine their differential influence on profile height and configuration. The standard MMPI produced a significantly better hit rate overall (80.2%) than did the MMPI with local norms (71.8%). Standard norms produced significantly higher means for all scales except Si. A majority of single scale and two scale high points were different under the two sets of norms. It is concluded that the standard norms are more effective among these subjects than are the local norms. Results also indicate that the usual interpretations applied to scale elevations with the standard norms may not be applicable when other norms are used.