Introduction to a Special Series: Forensic Psychodiagnostic Testing

Abstract

The past several years have witnessed an increase in psychological journals offering “pseudo-debates” concerning the relevance of various assessment methods or psychological tests to clinical and forensic practice (Gacono, Loving, & Bodholdt, 2001; Meyer, 1999, 2000; Weiner, 2001). Dedicated researchers and practitioners have produced enormous bodies of validating research, as well as a wealth of clinical/forensic experience concerning the inestimable value of these instruments in delivering mental health services as diagnostic consultants (Meyer, 2000; Wiener, 2001). Persistent detractors have seldom demonstrated the same level of scientific rigor, that is, weighing all available evidence, discriminating between compelling and questionable research findings, and drawing conclusions on the basis of a balanced and open-minded determination of where the facts lie (Wiener, 2001). Regardless of their merit, these articles eventually find their way into the court room and provide another source of distraction in an already difficult work arena. Forensic psychologists must be prepared for challenges to their assessment methods. With this in mind, this article introduces a series of articles that provide guidelines for the forensic use of the PCL-R, Rorschach, MMPI-2, MCMI-III, and PAI.