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Single Item Test of Observable Nuances of Idiopathic Dyslexic Sociopathy

(SIT-ON-IDS)

by Steve Edelman

Background:  It is possible to test both a type of reversal dyslexia and sociopathy with a single item.  The item was originally designed as a quick screening for “d” to “b” reversals.  The item was found to have diagnostic utility for sociopathy after several trial administrations in a correctional setting.  Those people in correctional settings who responded in such a manner as to suspect a diagnosis had an Axis II grind.

Administration:  The person administering the test needs to be thoroughly versed in testing ethics and procedures.  Several practice administrations are recommended.  The best persons to administer the test would be female.  However, it is possible to elicit some good responses when it is administered by a cross-dressing male psychologist.

            The test must be administered in a well lit examination room.  Be certain that the examinee is wearing corrective lenses if necessary.  It may be argued that a good night of sleep is not necessary for appropriate responding.  The test requires a 3^rd or 4th grade reading level for most people.  Individuals with a first grade reading level who have been raised in the appropriate environment may respond with difficulty.

            The test can be abbreviated for those individuals who have attention problems.  Simply delete the first of the two words of the item.  There is no consequential loss of reliability.  The abbreviated administration will enable the examiner to comply with all of the appropriate demands of Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as the reduction in the length of the test is a legitimate accommodation.

            Test observations are very important when administering the SIT-ON-IDS.  Watch the examinee’s facial expression as the test is administered.

Special Populations:

1. Ethnologists (or is it ethno-psychologists or psycho-ethnologists?) have determined that the SIT-ON-IDS can be used to test mules or donkeys that can mentally compute multivariate factorial analyses.  However, be prepared to provide testing accommodations that include the abbreviated test and extended test time.
2. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have recently determined that fish have personalities.  The SIT-ON-IDS is particularly useful for testing fish, with the caveat that flounders and sole tend to be more one dimensional and have a flat affect.  Fish are also known to be elective mutes, so skilled examiners may have to use a hook to enhance responding.  Their primary testing accommodation would be the need for a humidifier in the examination room.

PETA has determined that the research on the special populations has not caused harm to any animals (including the fish).

Statistics:  This is a trial instrument.  There is a presumption that it will have very high inter-rater reliability because of its objectivity.  Test reliability might be low because of the number of items.  That is why reliability is unlikely to be affected by administering the abbreviated form.  It is recommended that persons administering the SIT-ON-IDS check the validity of their sociopathy diagnosis by administering the MMPI-2 or BASC-2, the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, the Rorschach, and the Thematic Apperception Test on the same day.  An alternative test of the validity of the results would be the administration of the same test for 30 or more consecutive days (one or more times per day).  This will also yield test-retest (and test-retest, test-retest, etc.) reliability.  It is unlikely that there will be any practice effect since the target population has had enough practice responding to similar situations prior to test administration.

Testing:  Hand the examinee the test card.  Say, Read this.  Record the response and your behavioral observations on the response form.

The test card reads:   dig ditch

The abbreviated test form card reads:  ditch

Note that people who are chronically depressed or complaining reversal dyslexic sociopaths need to read the abbreviated form three times in rapid succession.

By Steve Edelman