This study attempts to replicate the derivation of the MMPI classification system developed by Megargee and his collaborators. Several studies attempt to cross-validate the classification system by applying the sorting rules to different populations. Only one other study has tried to replicate the derivation of the types. The results of the present study, using a diverse halfway house population, are largely supportive of the Megargee types, but types Baker, Easy, and Jupiter failed to replicate. Suggestions are made for improving the test-retest reliability of the classification system, and implications for future research are proposed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Blashfield, R. K. , Aldenderfer, M. S. & Morey, L.C.Validating a cluster analytic solution. In H. C. Hudson (Ed.) Classifying Social Data. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1982.
2.
Clements, C. B.The future of offender classification: Some cautions and prospects . Criminal Justice and Behavior, 1981, 8, 15-38.
3.
Everitt, B.Cluster analysis (2nd ed.) New York: Halstead Press, 1980.
4.
Hippchen, L. J.Changing trends in correctional philosophy and practice. In L. J. Hippchen (Ed.), Correctional classification and treatment. Cincinnati: W. H. Anderson, 1975.
5.
Megargee, E. I.A new classification system for criminal offenders, I: The need for a new classification system . Criminal Justice and Behavior, 1977, 4, 107-114.
6.
Megargee, E. I. & Bohn, Jr., M. J.A new classification system for criminal offenders, IV: Empirically determined characteristics of the ten types. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 1977, 4, 149-210.
7.
Megargee, E. I. & Dorhout, B.A new classification system for criminal offenders, III: Revision and refinement of the classificatory rules. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 1977, 4, 125-148.
8.
Meyer, J. & Megargee, E. I.A new classification system for criminal offenders, II: Initial development of the system. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 1977, 4, 115-124.
9.
Moran, E. L. An in-program evaluation of a community correctional agency for high risk offenders. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Saint Louis University, 1976.
10.
Nichols, W. The classification of law offenders with the MMPI: A methodological study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama, 1979.
11.
Simmons, J. G. , Johnson, D. L., Gouvier, W. D. & Muzcyzka, M. J.The Meyer-Megargee inmate typology: Dynamic or unstable?Criminal Justice and Behavior, 1981, 8, 49-54.
12.
Veldman, D.J.Fortran programming for the behavioral sciences. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 1967.
13.
Yepsen, L.Classification: The basis for modern treatment of offenders. In L. J. Hippchen (Ed.), Correctional classification and treatment. Cincinnati: W. H. Anderson, 1975.
14.
Zager, L. D.The MMPI-based classification system: A critical review of derivation procedures and recent investigations of its generalizability and dynamic feature. Federal Correctional Institutions (FCI) Research Reports, 1983, Tallahassee, FL. (whole issue).
