NCJ Number
142506
Date Published
1971
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The construct validity of the Overcontrolled Hostility (O-H) scale developed by Megargee and colleagues was assessed through the use of a separate instrument, the 16 Personality Factors Questionnaire, Form C, with a sample of 75 youthful offenders.
Abstract
The research was intended to determine whether the construct validity studies correlating the O-H scale with other Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)-based measures of hostility and control might reflect common methods variance rather than trait validity. Therefore, the research used an inventory that did not share a common theoretical basis, common test construction methods, or a common item pool with the MMPI. The study participants were all youthful offenders entering the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee, Fla. Thirty-eight of the offenders had O-H T scores of 70 or more, while 37 had scores of 45 or lower. The research predicted that the group that was high on the O-H scale would be significantly higher on Factors C, G, and Q3 and significantly lower on factors E, L, M, and N. All seven predictions were confirmed, thus adding to the support for the construct validity of the O-H scale. The trait descriptions on the O-H scale indicate that youthful offenders with high scores are more mature, stable, responsible, well-organized, conscientious, and cautious than those with low scores. They are also more considerate and adaptable and make good team members, rarely asserting themselves but instead going along with the majority. Tables and 19 references