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Abstract

The predictive validity of two psychological inventories, the MMPI and the IPI, was examined for 716 male correction officer recruits for retention or termination as well as incidence of absence, lateness, and formal disciplinary interviews (Study I). Discriminant function equations developed from IPI scales correctly classified a greater percentage of officers as to “positive” or “negative” job performance than did prediction equations developed from the MMPI scales. Mean scores on IPI scales indicating past adjustment difficulties and “acting out” behaviors were higher for officers exhibiting “negative” job behaviors. A cross-validation analysis of three on-job performance criteria was then conducted (Study II). Prediction equations, developed on a random analysis sample of 400 officers, were then applied to a new cross-validation sample of 265 officers. On both the analysis and cross-validation samples, the IPI more accurately classified individuals as to absences and disciplinary interviews than did the MMPI; lateness was predicted equally well by both tests.

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Correction Officer Job Performance as Predicted by the IPI and MMPI

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