Psychological Testimony on Trial: Questions Arise About the Validity of Popular Testing Methods

New York State Bar Journal, Vol. 75, p. 19, 2003

14 Pages Posted: 3 Apr 2007

Abstract

Psychological tests are frequently used by forensic psychologists engaged in evaluations for family court matters. Since the recommendations that flow from such evaluations can have considerable influence on the disposition of such cases, it is crucial that any tests used by the forensic evaluator possess solid scientific reliability and validity. Unfortunately, one of the most common psychological tests used in family court matters, the infamous Rorschach inkblot test, has serious psychometric deficits that render it unreliable and invalid. This brief essay discusses these limitations and urges attorneys to vigorously challenge expert testimony based upon this flawed test.

Keywords: child custody, experts, psychological tests, family court

Suggested Citation

Erickson, Steven K., Psychological Testimony on Trial: Questions Arise About the Validity of Popular Testing Methods. New York State Bar Journal, Vol. 75, p. 19, 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=976549

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
211
Abstract Views
1,373
Rank
231,215
PlumX Metrics