The Closed Mind and the Judgement of Crime: A Replication of the Sellin-Wolfgang Index

The judgement of the seriousness of delinquent events was interpreted as a “measurement of consensus regarding social norms and cultural values. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the evaluative mode of orientation would be used in the judgement process and that personality variables (which use the cognitive mode of orientation) would not influence consensus obtained using the Sellin-Wolfgang psychophysical method. Sex and dogmatism were tested as independent variables.

The hypothesis was supported in cases where the element of damage in the delinquent event was clear. In cases where the amount of damage presented a problem, the independent variables explained significant amounts of variation in the dependent variable. It was concluded that in these latter cases, the cognitive mode of orientation is used, producing less consensus.

Methodological difficulties inherent in the use of psychophysical scaling are discussed. It is concluded that these difficulties should be overcome before using the Sellin-Wolfgang index to measure cultural norms and values.     

PREVENTIVE DETENTION

The authors suggest that the probability of an arrestee engaging in violent crime before trial should be recognized as on independent and legitimate concern of the courts. Some of the major practical and legal considerations in implementing a pretrial detention option are discussed. A model is proposed which would give prosecutors a uniform basis for the decision to request a judicial order to detain pending trial. The model is based upon a modification of the Sellin-Wolfgang index of seriousness.     

Applications of crime seriousness information in police departments

This article describes the use of crime seriousness information in police operations. It is based on a project at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in which eight weeks of crime information were coded using the Sellin-Wolfgang seriousness scale. Statistics were then derived which quantified the seriousness of the various categories of crimes. Several applications were investigated based on the crime seriousness data. These included: (1) case assignment to detectives, (2) allocation of patrol personnel, and (3) determination of the size and location of patrol beats. Areas for future research are presented involving the use of crime seriousness data.     

Assessing the reliability and validity of the Self-Report Psychopathy Scales in a UK offender population

This study assessed the reliability and validity of the Hare Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (Hare SRP) and the short form of the measure in a UK prison sample, using the Psychopathy Checklist Revised (PCL-R) as a reference measure. The Hare SRP and PCL-R were compared for 107 UK adult male prisoners. The SRP and SRP-SF total scores depicted excellent levels of internal consistency and homogeneity and correlated with each other with significant and large effects sizes. Total scores correlated with PCL-R total scores producing medium effect sizes and were significantly predictive of PCL-R total scores with small effect sizes. Implications for practice are discussed.     

司法警察支队长人格特征调查分析

采用卡特尔16项人格因素问卷(16PF)对202名司法警察支队长作测量,结果显示:司法警察支队长的人格特征较为优良;心理健康的平均得分高于常模均值;专业有成就的平均得分高于常模均值,其中得高分的占10.8%;创造力高分占12.4%;新环境成长能力平均得分略低于常模均值,成长能力高分占6.2%。这些结果表明,司法警察支队长总体的心理素质较为良好。     

被打伤者心理卫生状况的初步研究

目的　初步探索被打伤者的心理特点 ,并提出相应的干预措施。方法　对 1998年 5月至 6月期间到北京市高级人民法院法医门诊鉴定的被打伤者进行一般情况调查和SCL - 90量表的评定 ,将被打伤者的评定结果与正常人进行比较 ,然后分组比较。结果　被打伤者SCL - 90各因子分均显著高于正常人 ;除敌对因子分外 ,损伤程度不同的被打伤者之间SCL - 90各因子分无显著差别 ;伤后时间短的被打伤者抑郁、焦虑因子分高 ,伤后时间长的被打伤者敌对、偏执因子分高。结论　被打伤者心理不健康 ,伤后时间不同的被打伤者心理特点不同 ,应针对此情况制定不同的干预措施。     

面试合分方法的合理性辨析

在目前的面试工作中,有两种合分方法：“总分去高低分法”和“分项支高低分法”。究竟哪一种面试合分方法更为科学,已经成为当前面试工作关注的问题。通过对这一问题的数学分析,得到如下研究结论：在面试合分方面,“分项去高低分法”是消除各考官之间的相对不合理性的最佳途径,要比用“总分去高低分法”进行面试合分更趋于合理。     

Predicting aggression in police officers using the MMPI-2

This study attempted to determine if any of four MMPI-2 scales formulated to measure various forms of hostility or aggression is useful in predicting aggressive behavior among police officers. In our analysis of 80 officers from two police departments, we found that some scales predicted supervisor ratings of officer performance in one of the departments but not in the second department. In one department, officers with higher ANG scores or HOS scores, or lower O-H scores, were judged by supervisors to be more assertive. Officers from the same department with higher HO scores or lower O-H scores received moire justified citizen complaints. We discuss the importance of predicting aggression in police officers, the difficulty of making this prediction using MMPI-2 scores, and differences between the two departments that might have impacted the outcome of this research. Authors' Note: Communications should be addressed to the authors at James Madison University, School of Psychology, MSC 7401, Harrisonburg VA 22807.     

Understanding the risk factors for violence and criminality in women: the concurrent validity of the PCL-R and HCR-20

This study explores the performance of 132 female maximum-security inmates on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and the HCR-20 (Historical, Clinical, and Risk Management Scheme) to examine the concordance between these two risk assessment instruments, and to assess their potential usefulness in determining level of risk for violent behavior and other forms of criminality. The two instruments demonstrated consistent and highly significant correlations across total scores, factor scores, and subscale scores. When the two instruments were entered into a multiple regression analysis to predict violent and non-violent crime, the HCR-20 did not add to the variance explained by the PCL-R. These results confirm earlier research that suggests that there is little or no difference between these two risk assessment instruments in their relationship to community or institutional violence. Further, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses show that both instruments demonstrated an inverse ability to predict convictions for murder, a close to chance ability to predict violent crime, but a shared ability to predict property and minor crime. Broadly, these results suggest that psychopathic women are involved in chronic patterns of non-violent criminality, while women charged and convicted of murder generally do not have elevated scores on the PCL-R or HCR-20. The relevance of these findings to rehabilitation and treatment is discussed.     

Comparability of the MMPI-2 F(p) and F scales and the SIRS in clinical use with suspected malingerers

Relationships among Structured Interview of Reported Symptoms (SIRS) scores and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory--2 (MMPI-2) F(p) and F scores were examined for 63 suspected malingerers evaluated at either of two psychiatric facilities. Despite differences between facilities in terms of seriousness of subjects' offenses, mean scores on the malingering tests were similar. Cutting scores for F(p) and F resulting in substantial correspondence between these scales and the SIRS were derived. Use of the cut score for F(p) proposed by Arbisi and Ben-Porath (1995) resulted in less agreement with the SIRS than did a lower cut score. No substantial difference between F(p) and F in each scale's overall agreement with the SIRS was observed. A principal components analysis of the SIRS primary scales produced two factors, interpreted as Overreporting of Symptoms and Implausible Symptoms. F(p) was observed to correlate significantly with Implausible Symptoms but not with Overreporting of Symptoms; F was significantly correlated with both factors.     

Identifying trauma symptoms among adjudicated youth using the BASC-2 SRP and CROPS

This study examines the ability of the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Self Report of Personality-Adolescent, 2nd edition (BASC-2-SRP-A) to predict trauma symptomatology as measured by the Child Report of Post-traumatic Stress among a sample of 59 male and 59 female adjudicated youth. Logistic regression revealed that clinically significant CROPS scores were predicted by BASC-2-SRP Social Stress and Somatization scale scores. A second logistic regression indicated that among youth with significant CROPS scores, gender was predicted by Sensation Seeking and Depression scale scores. Further, 47.4% (n = 56) of juvenile offenders’ CROPS scores were clinically significant, with females scoring significantly higher than males. Results endorse the validity of the CROPS and suggest that with additional analysis the BASC-2-SRP may also have the potential to identify juvenile offenders with a history of trauma.     

The use of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles with English young offenders

Objectives. This study examines the psychometric properties of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) with a sample of imprisoned English young offenders. Method. The reliability and validity of the PICTS scales were investigated, and changes in scores on the PICTS scales over a 6‐month period were analysed. Results. The findings suggested that from a psychometric perspective the PICTS scales were not performing as well with young offenders as with adult prisoner samples. The indices of reliability and validity were of a moderate level. Test‐retest scores calculated over the 6 months showed little change on the PICTS scores. Conclusion. The use of the PICTS scales with young offenders is discussed with reference to previous research with adult offenders in England and North America.     

Using the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles with English prisoners

Purpose. This study considers the use of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS) within an English prison population. Method. The reliability and validity of the PICTS scales were investigated, and scores compared with data from an American prison population. Results. The results suggested that the PICTS was functioning in a similar way in both populations, although the English population's scores were higher. The calculation of test‐retest change scores over the duration of 6‐12‐month sentences allowed the sensitivity of PICTS scales to change over time to be analysed, an aspect of the PICTS functioning that had not previously been examined. This analysis over time suggested that evenwhen the effect of age was controlled for, changes were occurring over the duration of the sentence. Conclusion. The potential of the PICTS as a measure of change, aswell as assessment, is discussed.     

Psychophysiological Responses of People with Psychopathic Tendencies to the Concealed Information Test

This study was designed to investigate differences in psychophysiological responses among individuals with psychopathic tendencies. A total 40 students were participated and were divided into two groups based on Levenson Self‐Report Psychopathy Scale (LSRP) scores: a high psychopathic tendency group selected from the top 5% of LSRP scores, and a low psychopathic tendency group selected from the bottom 5% of LSRP scores. All participants were instructed to perform a mock crime and complete the concealed information test (CIT). Results indicate that significant differences between crime‐relevant questions and irrelevant questions were observed for respiration line length and skin conductance response in both groups, but heart rate did not significantly differ between groups. There were no differences in psychophysiological responses between the groups. In conclusion, CIT was found to be an effective method for detecting crime‐relevant information in individuals with psychopathic tendencies.     

(In)Efficiency of matching: the case of a post-transition economy

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we provide estimates of the evolution in matching efficiencies in Poland, demonstrating decrease in estimated efficiency scores. These trends are accompanied by decreasing outputs in the matching function, as well as the lowering of the elasticities. Second, we relate the estimated efficiency scores to the use of active labour market measures. We find that job brokering intensity is conducive to matching efficiency, but active labour market policies coverage in general is not.     

Use of the MMPI-2 to predict the employment continuation and performance ratings of recently hired police officers

The MMPI-2 is one of the most frequently employed instruments for the selection of police officers. Serafino and Serafino (1997) collected data which involved information about employment continuation and ratings by supervisors of 32 police officers who had recently been hired and who had been given the MMPI-2 during the hiring process. In this study, the Paranoia Obvious (Pa) and Paranoia Subtle (Ps) scales proved to be the significant. Pa Subtle correlated with removal whereas Pa Obvious correlated with rating. Higher scores on Pa Subtle correlated significantly with being removed from the job, whereas low scores on the Pa Obvious correlated with higher ratings of performance by supervisors. Discussion of the results involved the fact that Subtle Pa scores would suggest paranoid tendencies not easily detected during the interview. Since most high Pa Obvious individuals would have been eliminated in the hiring process, expression of this tendency was at a low level after being hired but if present resulted in low ratings. Significant predictors were noted to be very much a function of the type of criterion variable employed in the study.     

外伤性硬脑膜下积液者90项症状自评量表评分分析

目的探讨外伤性硬脑膜下积液者的90项症状自评量表(Symptom Check List-90,SCL-90)分值变化的影响因素。方法选取皖南医学院司法鉴定中心2007—2018年受理的142例外伤性硬脑膜下积液的被鉴定人进行SCL-90测试,分析测得SCL-90得分与全国常模的差异,以及性别、年龄、文化程度、积液范围及部位对SCL-90分值的影响。结果外伤性硬脑膜下积液SCL-90的躯体化、人际敏感、抑郁、焦虑、敌对、恐怖、偏执、精神病性因子分值及总均分与全国常模比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),男女性之间抑郁和敌对因子分值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),不同年龄段间强迫、焦虑、恐怖因子分值及总均分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),不同受教育程度人群中敌对、偏执和精神病性因子分值差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),单部位、双部位与多部位间抑郁、焦虑、敌对、恐怖因子分值及总均分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),左脑区、双脑区与右脑区相比躯体化、抑郁、焦虑因子分值及总均分差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论外伤性硬脑膜下积液可引起一定的精神心理变化,该变化与蛛网膜破裂的原发伤以及硬脑膜下积液范围和部位相关,进行精神心理症状评估时应注意上述因素的影响。     

Reliability and validity of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version in Dutch female adolescents

In the present study, the reliability and construct validity of the Dutch version of the Psychopathy Check List: Youth Version (Psychopathie Checklist: Jeugd Versie; De Ruiter, Kuin, De Vries & Das, 2002) were examined in a sample of female adolescents admitted to a secure treatment institution (N=67). The study provides mixed support for the internal reliability of the PCL:YV in female adolescents. Interrater reliability was found to be adequate at the level of factor and total PCL:YV scores. Poor reliability was demonstrated for the behavioral items of the PCL:YV in particular. Finally, the construct validity of the PCL:YV total and factor scores was supported by theoretically meaningful and significant associations with scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Interpersonal Checklist-Revised (ICL-R). The applicability of PCL:YV items to female adolescents is discussed.     

The traumatic impact of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the potential protection of optimism

This study examined the impact of the September 11 terrorist attacks on graduate and undergraduate students and the role of optimism in posttraumatic distress. A sample of 457 students who attended courses at three schools of social work (Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington) participated in the study. A quarter of them had a known person as an immediate victim of the attacks. Multivariate analysis showed that posttraumatic stress disorder symptom scores were positively related to personal loss and two types of previous trauma reactivated by the attacks, and levels of initial negative emotional response. Optimism and its interaction with personal loss were inversely associated with posttraumatic stress disorder symptom scores.     

Use of the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales in Detecting Criminal Malingering

The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of criminal malingering on the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical (RC) scales. Sixty undergraduate students were given the MMPI-2 twice. One administration was conducted according to the MMPI-2 manual, and the other was given with a special set of malingering instructions specific to a prison setting. The two MMPI-2 profiles for each participant were scored for both the Basic and RC scales. Eight participants were eliminated from the data analysis due to validity (VRIN or TRIN) concerns. Data from the remaining 52 participants were analyzed using a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA. Results showed that, as expected, the participants achieved higher MMPI-2 scores in the malingering condition. Also, participants achieved higher scores overall on the Basic scales and a significant interaction showed that participants achieved higher scores on the Basic Scales in the malingering condition than on the RC scales in that condition. These results supported prior research, indicating that malingerers produce elevated RC profiles. However, the present results also suggest that the Basic scales may be more effective in actually detecting malingerers, mainly due to the much lower ceiling on the RC scaled scores. Further implications of these findings for research and clinical work are also discussed.