Applied taxometric analyses to construct of psychopathy (as measured by Psychopathy Checklist) and to several variables reflecting antisocial childhood, adult criminality, and criminal recidivism. Findings from 653 serious offenders assessed or treated in maximum-security institution supported existence of taxon underlying psychopathy. Childhood…

This report describes the design and experimental use of a system for classifying jail prisoners. The report identifies the information which the jailer needs to know about his prisoners and his use of that information in decision-making. Although the system was tested for only 60 days in six jails, the preliminary findings indicate that a…

Compliance theory applied to prisons is tested via longitudinal analysis of prisoners' attitudes from the time of admittance to a diagnostic and classification center through subsequent transfer to a penitentiary, reformatory, etc. Findings indicate the nonrandom procedure by which prisoners are assigned to institutions is more important than…

Harris and Lingoes' six psychopathic deviate subscales were assessed empirically for their convergent validity and for their utility to discriminate among male offenders on the two outcome measures of successful completion of sentences at a correctional halfway house and reincarceration at a one-year follow-up. Results provided varying degrees of…

The Megargee and Dorhout classificatory rules were applied to 181 MMPI profiles from inmates at a Level 4 Federal Correctional Institution. Fifty of these inmates were retested and reclassified. Only 14 of these 50 inmates retained their original type designation upon retesting. (Author)

A Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) based classification system (E. I. Megargee, 1977) was extended to female prisoners, using MMPI results for 400 inmates. Using revised rules for classifying the original MMPIs and MMPI-2s, 386 women could be classified on both versions, and 87% were classified identically. (SLD)

Results of two studies with 1,635 male offenders on the impact of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) on the Megargee offender classification system indicate that the original Megargee rules should not be used to classify MMPI-2s. A new set of classification rules is proposed. (SLD)

The author maintains that correctional workers are at a critical juncture in the use of classification strategies. Numerous guidelines are available for classification, but too often these are not applied. Several suggestions are made for effective classifications. (Author/HMV)

The potential importance of suppressor variables in the personality domain was studied in classifying white-collar criminals with a validation sample of 435 prisoners and a cross-validation sample of 214. Results suggest that suppressor variables can increase prediction and may contribute to knowledge and theory development. (SLD)

The objective inmate classification system in use in California's prisons is described. Evaluation of 14,091 cases suggests that the system reduces the rate of increase in the incidence of serious prisoner misconduct. Empirical evaluation of the system is recommended, and implications for correctional programs and public policy are discussed. (SLD)

Examines the use of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (Megargee typology) as a valid classification system in correctional decision making in a series of six articles. Most results urge caution in the use of the Megargee typology, finding poor test validity and test-retest reliability. (WAS)

Megargee's MMPI federal prisoner classification was used to determine validity with prisoners. Similarities and differences were examined and predictive validity was tested. It was concluded that the Megargee system can be used in grouping state prisoners. (Author/RC)

Identity theory is used to organize data gathered from semistructured interviews with parole violators at large (N=25). A typology of absconders bridging clinical and actuarial prediction strategies is proposed. Situational constraints are explored; typical behavior patterns and experiences of parolees are described. Policy implications are…

Attempted to classify convicted rapists, child molesters, and three different control groups, based on information from various assessment sources. Results indicated that behavioral measures combined with life history data could accurately classify subjects well above chance rates. Fairly accurate classification was obtained for three of five…

Thirteen incarcerated girls (ages 13-17) were tested following identification of language impairment to explore why they did not receive services prior to incarceration. Results indicate speech-language pathologists may be qualifying students based on a cognitive reference instead of a discrepancy formula based on age and level of language…