FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-10/3

Title and Subtitle: The Effects of Testing Circumstance and Education Level on MMPI-2 Correction Scale Scores

Report Date: February 2010

Authors: Williams CA, King RE

Abstract: The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is used by the Federal Aviation Administration to assess psychopathology in air traffic control specialist applicants after a conditional offer of employment is extended. Two groups are compared in this study on their level of Scale K, which is used as a measure of defensiveness (putting one's best foot forward - faking good), but which may be influenced by socioeconomic status and education.

Group 1 had already been hired and took the MMPI-2 as part of a voluntary research protocol while in training.

Group 2 took the MMPI-2 as part of their medical screening process for hiring.

There was a significant difference between the two groups (2 indicated a higher level of K than 1) on the level of K, suggesting that K is likely measuring defensiveness. Group 1 faced no consequences for their results, while Group 2 faced potential additional psychological assessment as a consequence of their MMPI-2 performance, and possibly even ultimate medical disqualification.

While the hypothesis that groups would differ on K as a function of testing circumstances was supported, the hypothesis that K would rise as a function of education was not.

Key Words: Personnel Screening, Personnel Selection, Psychological Testing

No. of Pages: 14