MMPI-2 Basic Clinical Scale & Code Type

Prototype of elevations --> Profile definition (If the scale or code-type prototype scores are elevated at least five points higher than the next scale in the code, then rely on the descriptors for that index. However, if the profile is not well-definted, then also take into consideration the next highest score in the profile code. This secondary score might "move up" in placement in the code at retesting.) --> empirical discriptors --> Harris-Lingoes subscales.

Harris-Lingoes subscales

• an appraisal of the extent to which a patient has endorsed particular contents that served to elevate the scale in question.
• They should not be interpreted in isolation from the parent scaleonly be interpreted as an adjunct to the parent scale to provide clues about which of the scale correlates for the parent scale are most salient
• below T = 60 are probably not useful in the interpretive process.

Guideline for interpretation:

• interpreting a 1-point code involves referring to the established descriptors for the highest score
• Complex code types should be used when two or more scales reach interpretive significance and empirically derived descriptors are available for them.
• The appropriate behavior descriptors for the code should be applied. If there are not sufficient empirical descriptors to provide much information for the code type, the most appropriate 2-point code should be used and if no 2-point applies, a scale-by-scale interpretation strategy should be followed.