University of San Agustin

General Luna St., 5000 Iloilo City, Philippines

www.usa.edu.ph

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS, SCIENCES, & EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCH 13: PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Transcribed by: JOHN P. JANOLINO, BS Psych 3A (2023-2024)
References: Lecture notes from Prof. Rovielyn Osuyos Silhay-Delantar, RGC, RPM, LPT

BASIC PERSONALITY INVENTORY (BPI) students and 224 community college students
which later on showed adequate reliability.
History - From there on it was used in clinical,
- The BPI was created by Douglas N. counseling, and correctional settings to
Jackson, Ph.D. in 1996 - to identify sources assess psychopathology.
of maladjustment and personal strengths.
- Was a Canadian psychologist that was Definition
best known for his work in human The Basic Personality Inventory (BPI) is a
assessment and psychological testing multiphasic personality test designed to find
- Former chair of the American personal strengths and sources of
Psychological Association (APA)'s Committee maladjustment in both clinical and normal
on Psychological Tests and Assessments. populations. The BPI takes half the time to
- APA's former president for their Division complete compared to other psychopathology
of Evaluation, Measurement and Statistics; tests, and it can be utilized with both adults
and Society of Multivariate Experimental and adolescents.
Psychology
- In developing the BPI, the independent It was designed to yield information that will
psychopathology dimensions underlying the be helpful for psychologists and other
longer 566-item Minnesota Multiphasic professionals. It can be administered either
Personality Inventory (Hathaway and individually or in supervised groups.
McKinley 1967) were first ascertained.
- BPI was developed after reviewers Characteristic
agreed according to Rodgers that MMPI - Relatively short and contains dimension
(Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) associated with antisocial behavior, rebellious
566 item test is termed as a "psychometric attitudes, impulsivity, and neurotic and
monstrosity" psychotic tendencies
- Therefore, the recently developed Basic - Is a 240 item test counterbalanced True
Personality Inventory or BPI during that time or False items test.
represents a potential alternative to the - It can be administered for 35-40 minutes
presently popular MMPI - It is employed widely on population of
- It was first administered to 168 university delinquent adolescents

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- Vocabulary used is at fifth grade level ▪ Alienation - withdrawing of a person's
means the BPI may be used with a variety of affection from an object or person.
adolescent and adult groups. ▪ Persecutory Ideas - false belief that one
- used in conjunction of with other is about to be harmed in some way.
assessment data to classify and determine ▪ Anxiety - feeling of fear, dread, and
rehabilitative programs for deviant population uneasiness.
▪ Thinking Disorder - trouble with cognition.
Aims of BPI Scale Construction ▪ Impulse Expression - a sudden force or
- The Basic Personality Inventory (BPI) is a desire.
240 item questionnaire that measures ▪ Social Introversion - a preference for
personality and psychopathology. It was socializing with small groups.
designed to yield information that will be ▪ Self-Depreciation - tendency to
helpful for psychologists and other undervalue oneself.
professionals in a wide variety of contexts. It ▪ Deviation - doing something different
was developed to achieve the following aims: from what is normal.
a. To yield relatively short profile measure of Note: the scale names were chosen
major constructs of psychopathology that specifically, with the hopes of avoiding
would be useful in psychological screening, potentially inaccurate diagnostic labels.
assessment, and research
b. To meet challenge of response bias in Reliability
personality assessment by suppressing the ▪ Internal consistency reliabilities for the
role of general evaluative dimensions in scale BPI are routinely found to be acceptable. In
construction one large psychiatric sample (N=812), KR20
c. To make available questionnaire coefficients ranged between .66 and .86
measure that would be capable of yielding (median=.76). A group of normal adults
reliable discrimination among persons (N=379) produced values ranging from .61 to
showing different patterns of dysfunction .83 (median=.70), and a college sample
within both normal and pathological ranges (N=52) gave coefficients ranging from .61 to
d. To employ dimensions that refer to .86 (median=.76). Test-retest reliabilities are
relatively homogenous behavioral similarly acceptable. Two studies (N=123 and
characteristics that vary systematically in the 168), each with retest intervals of one month,
general population and with deviant groups gave a combined range of .62 to .87
(median=.77). All told these values indicate
12 Distinct Psychological Traits appreciable and stable reliabilities for BPI
▪ Hypochondriasis - worrying excessively scale scores.
that you are or may become seriously ill.
▪ Depression - a depressed mood for a Norms
long periods of time. - Adult Norms - based on responses of 709
▪ Denial - refusing to admit the truth of males and 710 females from United States
something unpleasant. and Canada
▪ Interpersonal Problems - problems with - Adolescents norms - based on pooled
interpersonal relationships. samples of adolescents drawn from two

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Canadian provinces Alberta and Ontorio between scales and ratings on irrelevant
2210, 880 males and 1380 females dimensions. Overall, such independent
- Adult norms are based on a North research strongly supports the BPI’s validity.
American sample using comparisons with
U.S. census data Sample Questions and Items:
▪ Item number 1. It’s easy for me to keep fit
Based on the Result of standardization and healthy.
among the norm: ▪ Item number 8. I never have visions in
- Male delinquents - express more attitude which imaginary people or things appear.
that are markedly different from common ▪ Item number 34. I like to speak to
social codes, tend to be relatively emotionally strangers.
unresponsive , and show less insight into ▪ Item number 59. I am no good to anyone.
their feelings and cause of behavior ▪ Item number 61. My skin if often red and
- Female delinquents - tend to be more inflamed.
concerned with somatic health problems , ▪ Item number 88. My family life has been
more frightened , afraid of novelty , and more happy and free of arguments.
distractable and disorganized ▪ Item number 97. I seldom have cough or
Statistically significant most of these sore throat.
differences are relatively small ▪ Item number 118. I am happier alone
than when with others.
Validity ▪ Item number 140. I often see shadows
- The BPI scales have demonstrated and think they are people or animals
sizable correlations with other self-report ▪ Item number 163. I remain calm even in
measures intended to assess the same the most trying situations
dimensions of psychopathology. For
example, in a study of 235 substance Administration:
abusers, BPI-Hypochondriasis correlated .73 ▪ can be in paper-and-pencil and computer
with MMPI-Hyponchondriasis. Other administration
convergences were .55 for BPI-Depression ▪ can be administered either individually or
and MMPI-Depression, .62 for BPI-Thinking in group
Disorder and MMPI-Schozophrenia, and .58 ▪ Explain the purpose/aim of the test and
for BPI-Social Introversion, BPI validities the use to be made of the result
involving other clinical batteries (e.g. the ▪ familiarize respondents with what is
Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory) and required by reading aloud the instructions on
similarly acceptable. the BPI cover.
- Correlations between BPI scales and The instructions to be read are as follows: In
clinical ratings (by others) on like dimensions your BPI booklet you will find a series of
provide further support.In a study of 112 statements which people might use to
psychiatric patients composed of 66 men and describe themselves. Read each statement
46 women, such correlations ranged from .32 and decide whether or not it describes you.
to .51 (mean=.40), which compares Then indicate your answers on the separate
favourably to an average correlation of .12 answer sheet. If you agree with a statement

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or decide that it does describe you, answer the appropriate columns the number of items
TRUE. If you disagree with a statement or that a respondent has answered in the keyed
feel that it is not descriptive of you, answer direction.
FALSE. In marking your answers on the Example:
answer sheet, be sure that the number of the 1. Hypochondriasis - count the items
statement you have just read is the same as answered in False direction in 1st column and
the number on the answer sheet. Answer items answered in True direction in 13th
every statement either true or false, even if column
you are not completely sure of your answer. 2. Depression - count the items answered in
▪ For Group testing: it must be supervised, False direction in 2nd column and items
respondents should be arranged so that they answered in True direction in 14th column
cannot observe one another, interaction
should be discouraged, and there should be BPI Template
no destructions 1. Place the scoring template over the
▪ The examiner should ask the answer sheet to be scored, lining up the
respondents whether or not they understand orientation holes at the upper left and lower
the directions before instructing them to right hand corners with the circles on the
proceed answer sheet
▪ The use of answer sheet should be 2. Score each bpi scale by counting the
explained number of Xs in the first and 13th column
▪ If a respondent has a question about a (Hyp) count vertically the number of X in the
particular item it should be taken up 1sta and 13th column
individually with testing supervisor.it is 3. Record the total number of Xs for each
permissible for th examiner to give the scale in the appropriate box at the bottom of
definition of a word but care should be taken the answer sheet
to avoid suggestion how to respond The total is then recorded in the space at the
▪ No time limit bottom of the answer sheet labeled with
▪ In case a respondent demonstrates low abbreviation of the scale
level of reading skills it may be advised to
administer the bpi orally in individual testing Detection of Invalid Profiles
session - Professional should confirm that the
▪ Answer sheet should be scanned to profile is valid
ensure that the test and identifying 1. Evidence that the response have been
information have been completed properly random or non-purposeful
2. Evidence that the respondent has denied
Scoring any difficulties and has produced a high
- it is hand scored denial scale score in face of external
- requires a single template evidence of psychological disturbance
- the items are keyed on the same scale and 3. Evidence that the respondent has been
are arranged into vertical column faking
- align the template to the orientation marks in
the corners of the answer sheet to count in BPI Profiling

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▪ After scoring all 12 scales, the scores 1. Hypochondriasis /Good Physical Health
from the answer sheet should be transferred ❖ (70+) - frequently concerned about being
to the corresponding boxes on the profile ill. Complains regularly of peculiar pains or
sheet. bodily dysfunctions. Discusses such topics
▪ Separate norms have been developed for frequently, revealing a preoccupation with
male and female adults and adolescent which such complaints.
are printed on the alternate sides of the ❖ 50 or less - Is without excessive bodily
profile sheet. concern or preoccupation with physical
▪ After recording the raw numerical scores complaints . Absenteeism due to ill health is
on the profile sheet, the scores are plotted in likely to be below average.
such a way that it is possible to convert them
graphically to standard score form. 2. Depression / Cheerfulness
▪ The profiles are so organized in such a ❖ (70+) - inclined to b down-hearted and
way that the raw scores are transformed into show extreme despondency; considers self to
the metric of T scores with a mean of 50 and
be inadequate’ may be listless, remote, and
a standard deviation of 10.
preoccupied; looks at future pessimistically
▪ Convert BPI scores to standard scores by
❖ 50 or less - Reports a usual feeling of
consulting Tables 2-5 and 2-6 for adult males
confidence, cheerfulness, and persistence,
and females, respectively, and Tables 2-7
even when experiencing disappointment. Has
and 2-8 for adolescent males and females
an optimistic attitude about this future.
respectively.
▪ Adolescent Profile Sheet is based on
3. Denial /Capacity for Self Criticism
norms for adolescents between 12 and 18
❖ (70+) - lacks insight into feelings and
inclusive
▪ Adult norms and profiles should be causes of own behavior. Avoids unpleasant,
employed for persons 19 years of age and exciting or violent topics. Relatively
older unresponsive emotionally. Questionable
validity, especially if clinical scales re lower
Interpretation of Scales than expected
- uses linear T-scores ❖ 50 or less -Accept his feelings as part of
- BPI should be used in the context of a himself; not afraid to discuss unpleasant
comprehensive assessment of an individual , topics . Can answer questions frankly; avoids
thus further assessment should be gathered impression management. Shows normal
before interpreting bpi results affect.
70 or higher (moderate to severe symptoms)
- indicates clinical elevation (approximately 4. Interpersonal Problems /Cooperativeness
the 97th percentile) ❖ (70+) - is often extremely annoyed by
60 to 69 (Minimal to milder symptoms)- has little inconveniences, frustrations or
elements of scale (approximately 85th scale) disappointments; uncooperative, disobedient,
50 or less (Normal) - generally has positive resistant to others, and react against
aspects of scale discipline, rules, and criticism
❖ 50 or less - Experiences less than

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average irritation from noise, changes in and cognitively disorganized, cannot
routine, disappointment, and mistakes of remember simple things from day to day.
others; respects authority and prefers clearly Reports feeling that life is dream-like and that
defined rules and regulations; cooperates there is a marked difference between self and
fully with leadership and readily accepts others
criticism from others. ❖ 50 or less - Has no difficulty
distinguishing h i s daydreams from reality. Is
5. Alienation /Socially Responsible Attitudes able to c o n c e n t r a t e normally and to
❖ (70+) - expresses attitudes markedly maintain sensible conversations.
different from common social codes; is prone
to depart from the truth and behavior in an 9. Impulse Expression /Self Control
unethical/illegal and untrustworthy manner; ❖ (70+) - lacks ability to think beyond the
feels a little or no guilt about behavior present and consider the consequences of
❖ 50 or less -Ordinarily displays ethical and action; is prone to undertake risky and
socially responsible attitudes and behaviors; reckless actions; inclined to behave
reports a sense of obligation toward society irresponsibly; finds routine tasks boring
and its laws. ❖ 50 or less - Appears to be even-tempered
and level-headed; carefully considers the
6. Persecutory Ideas /Trustfulness future before acting; generally has the
❖ (70+) - believes that certain people are patience to cope with a lengthy and tedious
hostile and are trying to make life difficult task.
and’or unpleasant. Inclined to brood.
Distrusts others
❖ 50 or less -Trusts others and doesn't feel
threatened. Accepts responsibility for the 10. Social Introversion/Social Extroversion
events in h i s life and doesn't attribute ❖ (70+) - Avoids people generally. Has
maliciousness to others. few friends and doesn't say much to those h e
has. Seems to be uncomfortable when
7. Anxiety/Composure around others. Prefers social activities.
❖ (70+) - easily scared and worrisome. ❖ 50 or less - Enjoys company. Likes to talk
Little things, even an idea, can cause a frenzy and know many people. Spends much time
of anxiety. Afraid of physical or interpersonal with others.
danger
❖ 50 or less - Remains calm and unruffled 11. Self-Depreciation /Self Confidence
even when confronted by unexpected ❖ (70+) - Degrades himself as being
occurrences. Take things as they come worthless, unpleasant, and undeserving.
without fear or apprehension. Maintains self Generally expresses a low opinion of h i m s
control even in a crisis situation. e l f and refuses credit for any
accomplishment.
8. Thinking Disorder /Reality of Thinking ❖ 50 or less -Manifests a high degree of
❖ (70+) - markedly confused, distractable self-assurance in dealings with others. Not

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afraid to meet strangers; speaks with
confidence about a variety of topics; believes
in h i s own ability to accomplish things

12. Deviation /Commonality

❖ (70+) - Displays behavior patterns very
different from most peoples'. Admits to
unusual and pathological characteristics.
❖ 50 or less -Generally shows behavior
patterns similar to those of a majority of
people. Tends to be free from unusual
symptoms and modes of thought.

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