The Response Bias Scale and Response Bias Scale-19 of the MMPI-2-RF: Cross Validation and Comparison in an Active-Duty Neuropsychological Sample.

Abstract

Objective: Valid client performance is critical to effective psychological testing. The MMPI-2-RF includes the Response Bias Scale (RBS) as an effective over-reporting scale and was developed for such detection efforts. Emerging RBS research has evaluated modifications to improve the scale's reliability and validity, shortening it from 28 to 19-items. This study cross-validates RBS-19 in a large military sample using multiple Performance Validity Tests as outcome measures. It also examines the moderating effects of military rank.

Methods: Active-Duty Service members (n = 587) seen at Walter Reed National Medical Center. Archival data were collected during referral-based post-deployment screenings for reported cognitive impairments. Analytic plan includes PVT mean difference testing, RBS/RBS19 and PVT Pass All / Fail Any strengths of association, and moderation analyses.

Results: Results indicate a non-significant influence of rank at predicting PVT failure. RBS was generally equitable with RBS-19 but demonstrated some marginally better utility. Elevation frequency and differences in those rates (e.g., Chi Square and Phi Coefficient's) supported significant relationships between overall Pass All/Fail Any grouping.

Conclusions: Clinical implications suggest differences in PVT detection when assessing response invalidity. Important moderator findings suggest rank does not influence response style. Inconsistency with previous literature suggests importance of context dependent testing (e.g., post-deployment, fitness for duty vs forensic/outpatient settings). Recommendations for future use in Active-Duty populations are provided.