First, I apologize if this has been addressed somewhere before. I don't believe one word of Samuels "expert" testimony but there is a possible explanation for his "unusual testing methodology" in the psychometric tests he "administered" to JA.
First, any reputable clinician will tell you that the validity of the test is dependent on several variables. The setting in which the test was administered, the method in which the test was administered, etc. While the validity of the test results is impacted by the answers of the person taking the test there are several vailidty scales that can be used to confirm or deny a specific diagnosis - these are generally built into each test.
"Dr" Samuels erred on many levels - that's a given. But the primary level that gives rise for concern is the methodology of the test. Answer sheets are provided with the PSD Test package, which also includes a manual, test booklet, 10 answer sheets, 10 scoring worksheets and one scoring directions form. The price of this introductory testing package is $69.00. Nowhere in the world of psychology/psychiatry/sociology have I ever seen an acceptable testing practice of "here's a legal pad, let me write these answers down for you, etc". The inherent bias in that type of testing just blows my mind. Anyhoo, there are tests designed for people who cannot read/write/etc and the testing bias is built into that particular type of test. So, why did Samuels "administer" this test in this manner? He was too freaking cheap to BUY the actual test and answer sheets who would have been retained as evidence in this trial. Instead his method gives rise to the thought that he did indeed complete answers for JA to show her in a PTSD light to assist in her latest defense strategy of "self defense". He lied. He's unethical. He failed.
The second test that he administered was a Millon assessment. For the life of me I cannot recall which test he stated he administered... If someone will refresh my memory I can then rip him to shred on that fiasco. Anyway, Millon assessments are generally used for developing treatment recommendations for patients. It gives the clinician a "look inside the head of the patient" to see where they are in terms of their perception, denial, etc. This is important when beginning a treatment protocol - but we all have head that Dr Samuels was treating her, he was merely assessing her. Whatever dude! (The cost for this particular test MCMI-III would be 172.00 for the test materials.)
If Dr. Samuels wanted to accurately assess JA using the MMPI-2RF wwould have been a good starting point. At a cost of $221.50 for the testing materials it's probably way out of reach for him and if he intended to manipulate the test, he woudl fail miserably!
So, this is my 1st or 2nd post here on WS. Thanks for listening to my blabbering. I cannot stand the sight of Samuels and offer him this bit of advice, "when you're in a hole, stop digging!"
Must head to work now, have tablet and phone for the Ustream broadcast. Ya'll have a great day!
lease: Missed all of the GOOD parts! Thank you!
