Psychology: MMPI: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Psychiatry · Psychology: MMPI

Sample item

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory includes validity scales such as L, F and K. What is their purpose?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. To detect lying, random responding and defensiveness

The MMPI is a self-report personality inventory with clinical scales and validity scales. The L (lie) scale detects unsophisticated denial, F detects unusual or random responses and exaggeration, and K detects defensiveness. They help judge the reliability of the profile.

Option by option

  • A. To measure intelligence

    Intelligence is measured by tests such as the Wechsler scales.

  • B. To detect organic brain damage

    Organic damage is assessed with neuropsychological tests.

  • C. To rate depression severity

    Depression severity is rated by scales like HAM-D.

  • D. To detect lying, random responding and defensiveness (correct)

    Correct. Validity scales check response style.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Psychiatry questions

Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, To detect lying, random responding and defensiveness. The MMPI is a self-report personality inventory with clinical scales and validity scales.

Why is "To measure intelligence" not the answer?

Intelligence is measured by tests such as the Wechsler scales.

Why is "To detect organic brain damage" not the answer?

Organic damage is assessed with neuropsychological tests.

Why is "To rate depression severity" not the answer?

Depression severity is rated by scales like HAM-D.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Psychology: MMPI in Psychiatry. The L (lie) scale detects unsophisticated denial, F detects unusual or random responses and exaggeration, and K detects defensiveness. They help judge the reliability of the profile.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Psychology: MMPI?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.