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M C Holen

Publications and source records attributed to M C Holen.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Possible artifacts in memory assessment with the Wechsler Memory Scale-III.

The Wechsler Memory Scale-III has a number of subtests on which scores can be influenced by random answering, malingering, and response sets as well as valid variance from memory functioning. Clinicians, researchers, and forensic psychologists need to take these possibly confounding sources into account when interpreting findings. Chance performance guidelines are presented along with some brief examples from clinical assessment.

Adult↗

Profile validity standards for MMPI and MMPI-2 F scales.

Although numerous indices of validity have been developed for the MMPI and MMPI-2, interest in the F scale and its variants continues, especially among practicing clinicians. The use of the binomial for assessing standards for random answering and possibly for judgments of malingering offers another approach for the interpretation of F-scale scores. The theoretical binomial distribution and Monte Carlo data are in accord. Cut-off scores of 24 for the MMPI and 23 for the MMPI-2 suggest random responses, and scores of 40 and 37, respectively, suggest clinical interpretation rather than randomness of responding.

Humans↗

Assessment of memory functioning among an aging sample.

To provide additional basic normative data and an enhanced understanding of memory functioning of older individuals, 100 subjects equally divided into 5-yr. age intervals from 60 to beyond 80, evenly split by sex and socioeconomic status, and balanced for racial composition were tested on 19 memory measures commonly used in clinical and neuropsychological assessment. While analyses indicated that 10 measures were significantly related to age, performance was quite stable from 60-74 years, dropping primarily at the oldest age intervals. No significant age-related differences were found on the remaining 9 measures, and in all instances considerable variability was evident. The study provides evidence against stereotypes that our population as a whole shows a generalized or severe memory decline with advancing age. Clearly, no one should hastily assume limitations in memory which would routinely disqualify older individuals in work, independent living, and decision-making. Recommendations are made for practicing clinicians who must choose instruments appropriate for normal and abnormal subjects.

Aged↗

Does the MMPI PTSD-PK scale measure robustness?

Research evaluating the diagnostic value of the MMPI PK scale for determining Posttraumatic Stress Disorder has been consistently positive. Various cut-off points have been suggested, depending on the population studied. The current study, involving a select group of police candidates from middle-sized midwestern towns, suggests that low PK scores may represent robustness. These subjects as a group made low use of health and mental health services and obtained very low PK scores (T = 41), although they made average scores on the clinical scales.

Female↗

MMPI scores of female victims.

Samples of MMPIs of women who were victims of abuse or manifested a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder were drawn from two private practice settings, one urban and one in a small town. Each PTSD sample included 21 persons. For comparison, two contrast samples of 15 persons each were drawn from the same populations. A cut-off point of T = 65 for PK yielded a 69% hit rate for classifying PTSD and contrast subjects. Since scores on PS and PK were so highly correlated, no independent analyses were warranted. Although the PTSD group yielded a more elevated mean profile, there were no characteristic 2-point codes. Therefore, PK is more useful in identifying Posttraumatic Stress Disorder than either profile elevation or configuration.

Adult↗