Are You A Faker? The Defence “Malingering” Industry

The “Fake Bad Scale” was invented by Paul Lees-Haley, a professional defense expert who derives 95% of his business working against personal injury claimants. He charges $3,500 to evaluate a claimant, and $600 an hour for testimony. Dr. Lees-Haley says his test is completely objective. Of course it is. He has no motive to lie, does he?

Below are the 43 statements from the MMPI which are used under the “Fake Bad Scale” to identify malingerers. Respondents get one point every time their answer matches the true/false designation listed with the statement. A score of 23 points or more means malingering.

Lees-Haley developed this test by telling US prison inmates to “fake” problems.  That was his “normal” group.  His data “proves” that women in the general population are more likely than convicted fraudsters to be malingerers.  It also “proves” than anyone who has chronic pain is a malingerer.  Defence lawyers and insurance companies love him.

How can a test be valid when it PRESUMES everyone DOES use alcohol excessively, and DOES vomit blood, but that NO ONE has ever had a hot flash, and NO ONE has ever felt nauseated or vomited?

Well, it really is a FAKE, BAD, Scale.