This report describes a study of the validity of typing inmates from their MMPI scores using the system developed by Megargee and Bohn. The subjects were female inmates of a state prison. The typology was not a strong predictor of either current or subsequent prison behaviors as derived from inmate records. When the various types were ordered for degree of deviance, however, the resulting validity of the typology appeared to increase. As currently used, the typology appears of limited usefulness with female prisoners of state institutions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DahlstromW. G.PantonJ. H.BainK. P.DahlstromL. E. (1986) Utility of the Megargee-Bohn MMPI typological assignments: study of a sample of death row inmates. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 13, 5–17.
2.
DorenD. M.MegargeeE. I. (1980) The nature and prediction of typological changes when employing the MMPI criminal classification system. The Differential View, 10, 28–41.
3.
JohnsonD. L.SimmonsJ. G.GordonB. C. (1983) Temporal consistency of the Meyer-Megargee Inmate Typology. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 10, 263–268.
4.
LouscherP. K.HosfordR. E.MossC. S. (1983) Predicting dangerous behavior in a penitentiary using the Megargee typologyCriminal Justice and Behavior, 10, 269–284.
5.
MegargeeE. I.BohnM. J. (1979) Classifying criminal offenders: a new system based on the MMPI. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publ.
6.
MegargeeE. I.DorhoutB. (1977) A new classification system for criminal offenders: III. Revision and refinement of the classificatory rules. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 4, 125–148.
7.
MeyerJ.MegargeeE. I. (1977) A new classification system for criminal offenders: II. An initial development of the system. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 4, 115–124.
8.
MradD. F. (1979) Application of the Megargee criminal classification system to a community treatment program. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Univer. of Missouri, St. Louis.
9.
NicholsW. (1979) The classification of law offenders with the MMPI: a methodological study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Univer. of Alabama.
10.
SimmonsJ. G.JohnsonD. L.GouvierW. D.MuzyczkzM. J. (1981) The Meyer-Megargee inmate typology: dynamic or unstable?Criminal Justice and Behavior, 8, 49–54.
11.
Sink-MillerF. (1979) New developments in the classification of female offenders. Presented at the annual meeting of the International Differential Treatment Association, Rensselaerville, NY.
