[CherryDropz88]

In my opiniion, psych testing can be fixed depending what outcome the person taking the test wants. I feel one can alter the answers to the questions in favor of a disorder or in disfavor of another. I mean there is probably some validity involved here otherwise we wouldn't have these tests in the first place. But how valid can they be?

I've done psychologial testing, MMPI-2 or something, other tests as well, that I can't remember. So I have some experience here. Do you beleve that one can impact the outcome of the test or what?

[Rhiannonsmoon]

Hello cherrydropz,

I guess mosts tests re psych can be manipulated but so can the tests regarding global warming as has been proven; the point that is important is why do it? Though there would be some people out there who have reason to try to falsify their own test results; Those faking for insurance payouts or disability claims etc.

But they would find it very difficult to fool a well experienced psychiatrist; they know when someone is lying to them. It isn't easy to con a good Dr. Why do you ask?

Rhiannon

[sugahorse1]

It's similar to the psychometric testing you do in a work environment. But the good ones keep asking the same questions but in slightly different formats, so you end up doubting yourself.
I think if the questions are asked correctly and repetitively, the tests can be accurate enough.

With psych tests I think the outcome can also be largely swayed depending on your mood at the current time.

[DocJohn]

In fact, a lot of psychological testing have indicators that can tell a psychologist whether the person taking the test is trying to manipulate it (especially tests like the MMPI-2). I think a person can certainly try to have a test come out a certain way, but in most cases, I think such an attempt with be detected -- either by the person giving you the test (if it's an interactive test), or by the test itself.

If taking the test is to allow a professional to better understand the client, what is the point of trying to manipulate it?

[CherryDropz88]

Huh, very interesting guys... I guess if someone did want help legitimately, than they wouldn't try to manipulate results, but what if the person doesn't want to be tested? I sure as heck didn't want to be tested. Then maybe they could lie or try to manipulate the test.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by CherryDropz88

Huh, very interesting guys... I guess if someone did want help legitimately, than they wouldn't try to manipulate results, but what if the person doesn't want to be tested? I sure as heck didn't want to be tested. Then maybe they could lie or try to manipulate the test.

sure people can manipulate tests but when you think about it if they get diagnosed with something they dont really have the treatment for the misdiagnosis wont work.

example

someone wants to be adhd lies on question forms. gets ritalin, concerta and other adhd meds they are going to be going as if someone dropped them some acid, speed. the treatment for adhd is giving stimulants, uppers type medications.

someone wants to be DID the doctors tell them heres some meds that should work knowing full well there is no medication that works for DID and gives the person an antipsychotic that takes away schizophrenia symptoms. the next appointment the person reports yes the meds are working the doctor knows the person wasnt DID.

doctors all the time do things like giving placebos telling the person the meds will make their problems better just to see if they were manipulating and lying. if the problem is solved with a "sugar pill" then the doctors know the person wasnt being truthful on the tests.

in my psych classes I am learning alot of different ways doctors can tell when someone hasnt been truthful on tests. Like Doc John said one of those ways is the tests themselves have built in questions that reviel whether someone is trying to manipulate the testing.