Designed for defendant (misdemeanor and felony) assessment
The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) is designed for defendant
(male and female) assessment in court-related settings and is particularly useful in substance
(alcohol and other drugs) abuse cases. The DQ's proven research continues to deliver the
highest quality in defendant (misdemeanor or felony) assessment at remarkably competitive
prices. And volume discounts are available.
APPLICATIONS
** Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) **
Defendant (misdemeanor and felony) assessment in drug courts
Presentence (male and female) assessment in court settings
Adult defendant assessment in court settings
Risk determination and identification of appropriate supervision levels
Needs determination and identification of appropriate
intervention, counseling and treatment alternatives
Adult (male and female) probation and community corrections programs
Substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse treatment intake screening
Description
The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) is designed for defendant (misdemeanor or felony)
assessment in court settings. The DQ is particularly useful in substance (alcohol and other drugs)
abuse-related cases. It is also used in probation and community corrections program screening.
The DQ has 162 items and takes 35
minutes, on average, to complete. It has a 5th to 6th grade reading level. DQ
reports are computer-scored and printed on-site within 2½ minutes of test
completion. The DQ has 7 measures (scales):
1.
Truthfulness Scale,
2. Alcohol Scale,
3. Drugs Scale,
4.
Substance Use Disorder Scale,
5.
Violence (Lethality) Scale,
6. Antisocial Scale and
7.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale.
The DQ evaluates the defendant's test taking attitude
and identifies faking. It measures substance use and severity of abuse.
The DQ integrates DSM-5 substance use disorder criteria with alcohol
and drug severity measures and recommendations for intervention in
accordance with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines.
It also quantifies violence (lethality) potential and antisocial
tendencies. And, the DQ also measures the defendant's ability to cope with
stress. It's an understatement to say the DQ is much more than just
another alcohol or drug test.
Seven Defendant Questionnaire Scales
Truthfulness Scale:
Measures how truthful the defendant was while completing the DQ. It would be naive
to assume that defendants always tell the truth -- particularly in court-related
settings. Defendants usually attempt to minimize their problems and concerns. The
Truthfulness Scale detects denial and faking.
Alcohol Scale:
Measures alcohol use and
severity of
abuse. "Alcohol" refers to beer, wine and other liquors. This scale
measures the severity of
alcohol abuse while identifying alcohol-related problems.
Drugs Scale: Measures the
severity of
drug (marijuana, crack, ice, LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and
heroin) use and abuse while identifying drug-related problems. This
scale is independent of the Alcohol Scale.
Substance Use Disorder Scale:
Classifies substance (alcohol and/or other drugs) users as abusers,
dependent users or non-pathological users according to DSM-5 criteria.
Violence (Lethality) Scale:
Measures the defendant's propensity for using force to injure, damage or
destroy. This scale identifies people that are dangerous to themselves
or others.
Antisocial Scale:
Measures antisocial attitudes and behavior. It identifies defendants
that are opposed to society and are aggressive, destructive and
irresponsible. In general, antisocial people are opposed to existing
social organization and moral codes.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
Measures the defendant's ability to cope effectively with stress, tension and pressure.
Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. This is a
non-introversive way to screen diagnosable mental health problems.
In brief, DQ reports summarize the defendant's self-reported court history, explain
what attained scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.
Within 2½ minutes from test data entry, automated
(computer-scored) 4-page reports are available on-site. These reports
summarize a wealth of information in an easily understood format.
These reports include a DQ profile (graph), which summarizes
client findings at a glance. Also included are explanations of what each
score means and specific score-related recommendations.
Significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted,
and answers to the built-in interview (the last sequence of multiple
choice items) are presented. Emphasis has been placed on having meaningful
reports that are helpful and easily understood.
Advantages of
Screening
Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may
require referral for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment. This filtering
system works as follows:
DQ RISK RANGES
Risk Category
Risk Range Percentile
Total Percentage
Low Risk
0 - 39%
39%
Medium Risk
40 - 69%
30%
Problem Risk
70 - 89%
20%
Severe Problem
90 - 100%
11%
Reference to the above Risk Range table shows that a
problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70th
percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon the
thousands of offenders that have taken the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ).
This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids both extremes, i.e.,
over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.
Note: The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is a classification, not a
measurement scale like the Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale, which measure
severity of use or abuse.
A state, department, court or agency policy might refer
clients with identified problems for further evaluation, intervention or
treatment. In this case, 31% of the people screened (Problem Risk and
Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy might only refer clients with
serious problems (Severe Problem, 11%) for additional services. In these
examples, 69% or 89% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the people
screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) services.
Budgetary savings (dollars) would
be large with no compromises in needy people receiving appropriate
evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more needy people
would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually more risk
of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.
Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) scales identify the areas it screens. And, these scales
(measures) are: 1.
Truthfulness Scale,
2. Alcohol Scale,
3. Drugs Scale,
4. Substance Use Disorder Scale,
5.
Violence (Lethality) Scale,
6. Antisocial Scale and
7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.
"Demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy"
DQ Software
The DQ is available in Windows formatted test
application diskettes. Windows diskettes require a simple one-time computer
setup procedure after which DQ data diskettes are used. Training Manuals are
provided free, and new test users can be walked through these procedures
over Risk & Needs telephone line at
(602)
234-3506.
Proprietary DQ diskettes contain 25 or 50 test
applications. These 3½" diskettes score, interpret and print DQ reports
on-site. Once a DQ account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to
users. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to
Risk & Needs where the test data and
demographics are downloaded into the DQ database for subsequent research
analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user
with a few keystrokes to delete all client names from diskettes before they
are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all test user names insures client
confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R.
164.501).
DQ Database
The DQ system contains a proprietary database.
Earlier, it was noted that all DQ used diskettes are returned to Risk &
Needs
and the test
data along with related demographics are downloaded into the DQ database.
This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program
summary capabilities that were not possible before. Ongoing research insures quality
control. Test program summaries provide program self-evaluation.
"Sound empirical bases for decisions"
Built-in Database:
permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no additional cost.
When the 25 or 50 tests on a diskette are used, that diskette is returned to
Risk & Needs, checked for any viruses and downloaded into the
expanding DQ database. Advantages of a built-in database are many and include
database (research) analysis and annual summary reports.
No personal information, names, social security numbers, etc. are ever downloaded into any
test database.
Returned diskettes from an agency, department or court
can be selected from the database for research and analysis. The DQ is
restandardized annually on a state-by-state basis at no additional cost to
users. Database analysis insures quality control.
After downloading test data returned diskettes are destroyed.
Similarly, returned diskettes can be summarized on a state, department, court or agency
basis -- at no additional cost to users. Annual summary reports provide information for
testing program self-evaluation. An example Annual Summary Report can be reviewed by
clicking on the
Annual Summary Report link.
Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that
includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency distributions, correlations,
ANOVA, cross-tabs statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy
determinations. We continue to study the effects of demographics and are
undertaking recidivism prediction studies.
Annual Summary Reports
Risk & Needs can
access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and
summarization of all tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are
prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual providers --
at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to
large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history
when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has
anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional
cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is 350 tests. There is
no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from
350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can
be viewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Report link.
Reliability, Validity and Accuracy
The DQ has a built-in database that insures inclusion
of all tests administered in a confidential (no names) manner. And, these
reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document
titled "DQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database
analysis has revealed that DQ scales maintain very high reliability coefficients and
minimum interscale correlations.
For example, the internal consistencies (alpha coefficients) for DQ scales are
reported below for 948 defendants screened in the
year 2002. This is one among many DQ studies.
RELIABILITY OF THE DQ (N=948, 2002)
DQ Scales
Alpha Coefficient
Significance Level
Truthfulness
.88
p<.001
Violence
.89
p<.001
Antisocial
.87
p<.001
Alcohol
.91
p<.001
Drugs
.90
p<.001
Stress Coping Abilities
.91
p<.001
Substance Use Disorder
.89
p<.001
The Substance Use Disorder Scale is a
classification scale based on DSM-5
criteria. In contrast, the Alcohol and Drugs Scale are measurement scales.
They measure the
severity of alcohol and drug abuse.
All DQ scales have alpha coefficients well above the
professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All
alpha coefficients are significant at the p<.001 level.
DQ research extends over 15
years. Many studies have been conducted on thousands of defendants using several validation
methods. Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with
other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L
and F-Scales, 16PF, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Mortimer-Filkins, Offender
Assessment Index, Mac-Andrews, Driver Risk Inventory, experienced staff
ratings, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the "DQ: An Inventory
of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, many studies discriminant
validity (first versus multiple offenders) and predictive validity
(defendants that had substance abuse treatment versus non-treatment);
database analyses continues to support DQ validity. And, as noted earlier, ongoing
database research is done to evaluate reliability, validity and accuracy
on an annual basis.
DQ norms are updated annually for each DQ scale.
Separate norms are available for gender (males and females), ethnicity
(Caucasian, Black and Hispanic, etc.), and geographic (state-by-state) regions.
Fairness goes beyond reliability and validity. The term
applies to test accuracy for demographic groups like age, gender and ethnicity (race).
The DQ has been normed on Caucasians, Blacks and Hispanics, and these ethnic norms are
reevaluated in the DQ's annual database analysis. The DQ is accurate and fair.
Staff Member Input:
Some people advocate fully automated assessment. Risk & Needs
does not. The DQ is
to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available,
court records should be reviewed because they can contain important
information not provided or incorrectly provided by the defendant.
Experienced evaluators should also interview the defendant. For these
reasons, the following statement is contained in each DQ report: "Defendant
Questionnaire (DQ) results are working hypothesis and are to be used in
conjunction with an interview, record review and experienced staff
judgment. No diagnosis or recommendation should be based solely upon DQ results."
Unique Defendant Questionnaire Features
Truthfulness Scale:
Identifies denial, problem
minimization and faking. It is now known that most defendants attempt to
minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in
contemporary tests. The DQ Truthfulness Scale has been validated with the
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other
tests, truthfulness studies and experienced staff judgment. The DQ Truthfulness
Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some
respects, the DQ Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI's L and F-Scales.
It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.
"More than just another drug test"
Truth-Corrected
scores have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary
truth correction process is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction.
The DQ Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other six scales.
The Truth Correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected
scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw
scores reflect what the defendant wants you to know. Truth-Corrected
scores reveal what the defendant is attempting to hide.
Substance Use Disorder Scale: categorizes defendants as substance
abusers, non-pathological or substance dependent in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria. Such
classification augments the Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale's
severity of abuse measures. The
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes there are exceptions
to DSM-5 classification, and these exceptions are made according to the
severity of the client's substance
abuse. In other words, exceptions to DSM-5 substance (alcohol and other
drugs) classification can be determined by the severity of abuse. The
severity of a defendant's substance abuse determines their recommended
level of intervention or treatment.
Violence (Lethality) Scale: identifies people who are a danger to themselves and
others. "Violence" is defined as "the expression of hostility and rage through
physical force directed against persons or property." It is aggression in the
extreme and an unacceptable form of behavior, which is why Risk &
Needs includes the term "lethality" in parentheses. Measuring violence
enables DQ users to identify people capable of harming themselves and
others. Extremely violent (lethal) individuals score at or above the 90th
percentile on the Violence Scale, and these people are dangerous. This is a
very important, yet often overlooked, behavior pattern when screening defendants.
Antisocial Scale: measures the degree to which a person is opposed
to society or moral codes. "Antisocial tendencies" refers to aggressive behavior that
is either socially destructive or has socially undesirable consequences. Antisocial
behavior often incorporates aggressive, impulsive and even violent actions
that flout social and ethical codes, such as laws. Antisocial behavior is characterized by a lack
of judgment, a seeming inability to
learn from experience and what used to be called sociopathic behavior.
When a person manifests antisocial tendencies, they are dangerous. When a
person has antisocial tendencies with violence prone attitudes/ behaviors, that person is
particularly dangerous. This important scale provides considerable insight into defendant
behavior, yet it is often overlooked by other screening tests.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
measures how
well the defendant handles stress, tension and pressure. How
well a person manages stress can effect their adjustment and mental
health. We now know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental health
problems. This scale is a non-introversive way to screen established
(diagnosable) mental health problems. A defendant scoring at or above the
90th percentile on the Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred
for a more comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis. This important area of inquiry is
missed by other defendant screening tests.
More than just another alcohol or drug test: In addition to alcohol
and drugs, the DQ assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality)
potential, antisocial tendencies and emotional/mental health problems. The DQ is specifically
designed for defendant assessment. It provides the information needed for comprehensive defendant
screening.
Three ways to give the DQ:
The DQ can be administered in three
different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most
popular testing procedure. DQ English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are
available -- free. 2. Tests can be given directly on the computer screen.
Some agencies dedicate computers for DQ testing. And,
3.
Human voice
audio in both English and Spanish computer presentation. This involves a headset. The defendant
uses the up-down arrow keys. As the defendant goes from question to answer with the arrow
keys, that question or answer is highlighted on the monitor and read to the defendant.
These three administration modes are discussed in the
DQ: Orientation and Training Manual. Each test administration mode has
advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs
offers these
three test modes so the test user can select the mode that is optimally suited to their
needs. No
other testing firm offers these three testing options -- let alone at no additional cost.
Reading Impaired Assessment:
Reading impaired defendants represent 15 to 20+ percent of defendants
tested. This represents a serious problem to other tests. Risk & Needs
has
developed an alternative for dealing with this problem, which is Human Voice Audio.
Human Voice
Audio: Presentation of the DQ is in English and Spanish. Defendants' passive
vocabularies are often greater than their active (spoken) vocabularies.
Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication
problems. This Human Voice Audio administration requires earphones and
simple instructions to orient the defendant to the up-down arrow keys on
the computer keyboard. This innovative and proprietary approach to
resolving many respondent reading problems is not provided by other
defendant tests.
Confidentiality: Risk & Needs
encourages test users to delete defendants' names from diskettes before they
are returned to Risk & Needs.
This proprietary "name deletion" procedure
involves a few keystrokes and insures client confidentiality and
compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501). Once
defendants' names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved.
Deleting client names does not delete demographics or test data, which is
downloaded into the DQ database for subsequent analysis.
"The 'delete client names' option insures client confidentiality"
Test Data Input Verification:
This proprietary program allows the person that inputs test data from
the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input.
In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first
and second data entries are highlighted until corrected. When the first and
second data entries match or are the same, the staff person can continue. This
proprietary Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet strongly
recommended by Risk & Needs. Entering DQ answer sheet
responses into the computer twice can take 60 to 90 seconds. Consequently, the
data input verification procedure is done quickly.
Inventory
of Scientific Findings: Much of the DQ research has been gathered together in
a document titled "DQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document
summarizes DQ research chronologically -- as the studies were completed.
This chronological reporting format was established largely because of the DQ database,
which permits annual database analysis of all tests
administered. Some researchers would prefer the data to be reported by
categories, e.g., all reliability studies and all validity studies grouped
together. In contrast, the chronological presentation of research, as it
was done, enables readers to see the evolution of the DQ into a
state-of-the-art defendant assessment instrument.
Staff Training: Risk & Needs' staff are available to
participate in DQ training conducted by statewide programs, courts,
departments and high volume agencies in the United States. Sometimes, smaller
volume providers get together for collective (multiple users) on-site
training. Risk & Needs typically participates in 4-hour or 6-hour DQ
training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as
desired. Risk & Needs
gives attendees
certificates attesting to their DQ training.
Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk
& Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to
4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Risk &
Needs
at least ten days in advance. Participation is on
a first call, first scheduled basis.
Why
Select the Defendant Questionnaire?
The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) meets and exceeds most defendant screening criteria.
It is endorsed by users, courts, evaluators and peers. It is widely used in the United States.
The DQ has been repeatedly demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Ongoing research
continues to study and adjust for demographics like age, gender and ethnicity.
The DQ's seven scales measure truthfulness, classify
substance use disorder in accordance with DSM-5 criteria,
quantify the severity of alcohol and drug abuse, assess violence
(lethality) potential along with antisocial tendencies and identify the
presence of mental health problems. These report features can be reviewed
by clicking on the
DQ Report link.
The DQ's built-in database facilitates cost efficient
database analysis and annual testing program summary (large departments,
courts and statewide programs) reports. These two unique features,
ongoing database analysis and annual summary reports, are provided free.
An annual summary report can be reviewed by clicking on the
Annual Summary Report link.
Defendant's DQ reports are timely (available on-site
in 2½ minutes), readable and easy to understand. Score-related recommendations
are relevant and helpful. It's reasonable to conclude that the DQ is the
state-of-the-art in contemporary defendant assessment and screening. And, Risk
& Needs
doesn't stop there! The DQ is very affordable.
A Letter Summarizing DQ's History
"The Social Casework Service Department provides
correctional casework interventions to court referred offenders placed on
Reporting Supervision or sentenced to Reporting Conditional Discharge.
Generally, the court orders are for a period of twelve months.
It was determined that in order to provide optimum
correctional case work interventions to this population a reliable,
comprehensive initial assessment instrument was needed. We were looking
for an instrument that was multi-dimensional, and would provide us with an
offender profile from which we could develop our interview/intervention
strategies. We were looking for a tool that was able to incorporate the
DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder criteria and was ASAM compatible. This
Department then began working very closely with Dr. Lindeman related to
the inclusion of these scales.
We found Dr. Lindeman and his staff to be very
professional and cooperative and by the Fall, 1997 the Defendant
Questionnaire (DQ) was developed. As a result of committee work the Social
Casework Service Department decided to implement this instrument.
We are currently using the DQ in our drug treatment
court initiative in suburban Municipal Districts 4 and 6. In addition to
this, we will be implementing this instrument in other caseloads in the
Sixth Municipal District beginning September 1998.
This Department is highly satisfied with the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) and finds it very
useful in the early development/implementation of correctional casework interventions. It
provides a profile related to each offender and assists us in determining
potential offender risk."
Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County
Social Service Department
"Developed with Court-Related Staff Suggestions"
The above letter summarizes the
etiology of the DQ's Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale and ASAM Compatible
Treatment Recommendations.
Some
important Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) features were included as a result of the above court's
staff's suggestions. These include the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale and the American
Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) compatible treatment recommendations.
As discussed earlier, DSM-5 criteria were used in the development of the
Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale, which
classifies defendants
as substance abusers, substance dependents or non-pathological substance users. It was also
noted that such classification augments the Alcohol Scale and Drugs
Scale's severity of abuse measures. And, as
noted by ASAM, there are exceptions to DSM-5 classification, and these exceptions are made
according to the severity of abuse. In summary, the
severity of a defendant's substance abuse determines their recommended
level of intervention or treatment. And, these intervention/treatment
recommendations are ASAM compatible.
Incorporation of these features
help make the DQ uniquely suited for court-related defendant evaluation.
Test Unit Fee (Cost)
DQ cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the
Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit
fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user. This
includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing
database research, annual summary testing reports, staff training, and support
services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like
separate costs for each test administration as well as for each of the
test-related items listed above. Instead of asking for the test administration
cost, ask for the total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk &
Needs' one test
unit fee is very affordable.
Free Examination Kit
A 1-test DQ demonstration diskette is available on a
30-day cost free basis. The examination kit has a 1-test demo diskette, test
booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), Installation CD (with
instructions), a "DQ: Orientation and Training Manual" and some descriptive
information. Risk & Needs does want the
demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of
receipt.
Selecting a Defendant Screening Test
If you are selecting a defendant assessment instrument,
the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. It lists
important screening test qualities. The "Other" column represents any
other test you might want to compare to the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ).
An example 4-page Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) report follows this discussion of DQ
interpretation. It is provided as a ready reference to augment this dialogue. To go directly
to this example report, click on this
DQ Example Report link.
There are several levels of DQ interpretation ranging from viewing the DQ as a self-report
to interpreting scale elevations and scale interrelationships.
The following table is a starting point for interpreting DQ scale scores.
DQ RISK RANGES
Risk Category
Risk Range Percentile
Total Percentage
Low Risk
0 - 39%
39%
Medium Risk
40 - 69%
30%
Problem Risk
70 - 89%
20%
Severe Problem
90 - 100%
11%
A problem is not identified until a scale score is at
the 70th percentile or higher.
Elevated scale scores refer to percentile scores that are at or
above the 70th percentile.
Severe
problems are identified by scale scores at or above the 90th
percentile. Severe problems represent the highest 11 percent of
defendants evaluated with the DQ. The DQ has been normed on thousands of
defendants. And, this normative sample continues to expand with each DQ
test that is administered.
SCALE INTERPRETATION
1.
Truthfulness Scale: Measures
how truthful the defendant was while completing the test. It
identifies guarded and defensive defendants who attempt to fake good.
Scores at or below the 89th percentile mean that all DQ scales
are accurate. Scale scores in the 70th to 89th percentile range
are accurate because they have been Truth-Corrected. Truthfulness Scale
scores at or above the 90th percentile mean that all DQ scales
are inaccurate (invalid) because the defendant was overly guarded, read
things into test items that aren't there, was minimizing problems, or was
caught faking answers. Defendants with reading impairments might also
score in this 90th to 100th percentile scoring
range. If not consciously deceptive, defendants with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores
are uncooperative, fail to understand test items or have a need to appear
in a good light. The Truthfulness Scale score is important because it
shows whether or not the defendant answered DQ test items honestly.
Truthfulness Scale
scores at or below the 89th percentile indicate that all other
DQ scale scores are accurate. One
of the first things to check when reviewing a DQ report is the Truthfulness Scale score.
2.
Violence (Lethality) Scale:
Identifies defendants that are dangerous to themselves and others.
"Violence" is defined as "the expression of rage and hostility through
physical force." Violence is aggression in its most extreme and
unacceptable form. Elevated scorers can be demanding, sensitive to
perceived criticism and are insightless about how they express their
anger/hostility. Severe Problem scorers should not be ignored as they are
threatening and very dangerous.
A
particularly unstable and perilous situation involves an elevated Violence
Scale with an elevated Antisocial, Alcohol or Drugs Scale score. Substance
(alcohol or other drugs) abuse and antisocial attitudes can contribute to
dangerousness. The more of these scales that are
elevated with the Violence Scale, the worse the prognosis.
An
elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale with an elevated Violence Scale
score provides insight regarding co-determinants and possible treatment
recommendations. A Severe Problem Violence Scale score is a malignant sign
with or without other scale elevations and describes a dangerous person.
The Violence Scale score can be interpreted independently or in
combination with other DQ scales.
3.
Antisocial Scale:
Measures antisocial attitudes and behavior. "Antisocial" is
defined as "opposed to society or existing social organization and moral
codes." Antisocial behavior refers to aggressive, impulsive and sometimes
violent actions that flout social and ethical codes, such as laws,
property rights, etc. This behavior pattern often begins with a conduct
disorder involving lying, stealing, fighting, cruelty, truancy, vandalism,
theft and substance abuse.
Elevated Antisocial Scale
scores are often associated with non-internalization of recognized
conventions. Many high scorers manifest a seeming inability to
profit from experience. An elevated Antisocial Scale score in conjunction
with an elevated Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale or Violence Scale score would
be a malignant sign prognostically. A Severe Problem Stress Coping Ability
Scale score with an elevated Severe Problem Antisocial Scale suggests the
possibility of a suspicious/paranoid mental health problem. The Antisocial
Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other DQ scales.
4.
Alcohol Scale:
Measures alcohol use and the severity of abuse. "Alcohol" refers to
beer, wine and other liquor. It is a licit substance. An elevated (70th to
89th percentile) Alcohol Scale score is indicative of an
emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Scale score in the Severe Problem
(90th to 100th percentile) range identifies serious drinking problems.
Since a history of alcohol problems could result in an abstainer (current non-drinker)
attaining a Low to Medium Risk score, precautions have been built into the DQ to correctly
identify "recovering alcoholics."
Several DQ items are printed on the "Significant Items"
section of the report and again in the "Multiple Choice" section (pages 3 and
4) for quick reference. Alcohol admission items include: #44 (in
last year), #49 (has drinking problem), #55 (serious drinking problem),
#153 (describes own drinking), #154 (motivation for alcohol treatment),
etc.
There are two alcohol recovering items: #34
(I am a recovering alcoholic) and #156 (I am a recovering alcoholic).
In addition, the elevated Alcohol Scale score paragraphs clearly
caution that the defendant may be "recovering."
In intervention and/or treatment
settings, the defendant's Alcohol Scale score helps staff work through
defendant denial. Most defendants accept the objective and standardized Alcohol Scale scores
as accurate and relevant. This is especially true when it is explained
that elevated scores don't occur by chance. The defendant must answer a
definite pattern of alcohol-related admissions for elevated scores to
occur. And, Alcohol Scale scores are based on thousands of defendants
who have completed the DQ.
An elevated Alcohol Scale score in conjunction with other elevated
scores magnifies the severity of the other elevated scores when the defendant drinks. For
example, if you have a defendant with an elevated Violence Scale who also has an elevated
Alcohol Scale score, that defendant is even more dangerous when drinking.
When both Alcohol and Drugs Scales are elevated, the
higher score represents the defendant's substance of choice. When both are
in the Severe Problem range, explore polysubstance abuse. The
Alcohol Scale can also be interpreted independently.
5.
Drugs Scale: Measures
drug use and the severity of abuse. "Drugs" refers to marijuana, cocaine, crack,
ice, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. These are illicit substances.
An elevated (70th to 89th percentile) Drugs Scale score is
indicative of an emerging drug problem. A Drugs Scale score in the Severe
Problem (90th to 100th percentile) range identifies serious
illicit drug abusers.
Similar to the Alcohol Scale, a
history of drug-related problems could result in an abstainer (drug
history, but not presently using or abusing drugs) attaining a Low to
Medium Risk score. Precautions have been built into the DQ to correctly
identify "recovering" drug abusers.
Several DQ items are printed in the "Significant Items"
and "Multiple Choice" sections (pages 3 and 4) of the DQ report for
quick reference. Drug admission items include: #72 (in last year), #78
(direct admission), #83 (in drug treatment), #100 (admits drug dependent),
#157 (describes own drug use) and #159 (motivation for drug treatment).
Recovering drug abuser items include: #89 (I am
recovering) and #156 (I am a recovering drug
abuser). In addition, the Drugs Scale score paragraphs clearly
caution that the defendant may be "recovering."
In intervention and treatment settings, the defendant's
Drugs Scale score helps staff work through defendant denial in a similar
way as explained earlier for the Alcohol Scale.
And, an elevated Drugs
Scale score in
conjunction with other elevated scale scores magnifies the severity of the other
elevated scores when the defendant uses drugs.
For example, an elevated Violence
Scale in conjunction with an elevated Drugs Scale score increases the
severity and risk associated with the Violence Scale when the defendant uses
drugs.
When both the Drugs and Alcohol Scales are elevated,
the higher score represents the defendant's substance of choice. When both
are in the Severe Problem range, explore polysubstance abuse. The Drugs
Scale can also be interpreted independently.
6.
Substance
Use Disorder Scale: Classifies defendants as substance abusers, substance
dependents or non-pathological substance users in accordance with the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria.
The DQ Substance Use Disorder Scale is entirely
based on DSM-5 classification criteria for substance abuse and
dependency. When a defendant admits to one of the four DSM-5 abuse
symptoms (criteria), that defendant is classified in the substance abuse
category. When a defendant admits to three of the seven DSM-5 dependency
symptoms (criteria), that defendant is classified in the substance
dependency category. When a defendant does not meet DSM-5 criteria for
use disorder, they are non-pathological substance users (if they use drugs).
There is an important difference between the DQ Substance Use Disorder Scale
and the Alcohol and Drugs Scales. The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale
classifies
people as abusers, dependent or non-pathological substance users (if they use drugs). The Alcohol
Scale and Drugs Scale
measure
the
severity of alcohol and drug use or abuse.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
states there can be exceptions to DSM-5 classification, and these
exceptions are made according to the
severity
of a person's substance abuse. The severity of a person's substance abuse
determines their recommended level of intervention and/or treatment.
In summary, the Alcohol and Drugs Scales measure
severity of substance (alcohol and
other drugs) abuse; whereas, the Substance Use Disorder Scale
classifies
people as substance abusers or substance dependents. The Substance Use Disorder Scale can be
interpreted independently or in combination with DQ Alcohol and Drugs Scales.
7.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
Measures how well the defendant copes with stress. It is now accepted that
stress exacerbates symptoms of mental and/or emotional problems. Thus, an
elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score in conjunction with other
elevated DQ scales helps explain the defendant's situation. When a
defendant doesn't handle stress well, other existing problems are often
exacerbated. Such problem augmentation applies to substance (alcohol and
other drugs) abuse, attitudinal problems and acting-out behavior.
An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score can
also exacerbate emotional and mental health symptomatology. When a Stress
Coping Abilities Scale score is in the Severe Problem (90th to 100th
percentile) range, it is likely that the defendant has a diagnosable mental
health problem. In these instances, referral to a certified/licensed mental
health professional might be considered for a diagnosis and treatment
plan. Lower elevated scores suggest possible referral alternatives like
stress management counseling. The Stress Coping Abilities Scale score can
be interpreted or in combination with other DQ scales.
* * * * *
In conclusion, it was noted that there are several "levels" of
DQ interpretation ranging from viewing the DQ as a self-report
to interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships. Staff can then
put DQ test report findings within the context of the defendant's life and
court situation.
Epilogue
The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) is the product of over 25 years of licensed psychologist
experience evaluating court defendants, probationers, inmates and patients. Experienced court
staff provided invaluable guidance that contributed to the inclusion of the Substance
Abuse/ Dependency Scale and ASAM compatible treatment recommendations.
From the beginning the intent has
been to develop a practical, psychometrically sound and helpful test.
Practical in terms of time. Psychometrically sound in terms of
reliability, validity and accuracy. And, helpful in terms of the information obtained. It's
gratifying to know that many others associated with defendant assessment
agree that we have attained these goals. Our mission is now to maintain
the DQ's state-of-the-art reputation.
DQ Reports
Highly individualized four-page DQ
reports are computer generated after a test is scored on-site. The
first page summarizes personal information, presents the DQ profile and
compiles the defendant's court history. Experienced DQ users find the
DQ profile summarizes the defendant's situation at a glance.
Pages two and three contain scale
paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs gives the defendant's scale
scores, explains what that score means and presents score-related
recommendations. Room for staff members recommendations and signature are
provided at the bottom of page three.
Page four of the DQ report
reproduces the defendant's answers to each DQ item in the "DQ Responses"
section of the report (top of page four). Significant items for the
Alcohol, Drugs, Antisocial and Violence Scales are presented. A
significant item is a direct admission or unusual answer. Near the
bottom of page four are the defendant's answers to the multiple choice
items (#140 through #162). The "Multiple Choice" section reproduces the
defendants answers, with all their biases to the multiple choice items.
An Example Defendant Questionnaire (DQ)
report is provided for reference. Although highly individualized,
these reports utilize the same format.
The Defendant Questionnaire (DQ) example report is presented for your review. Each DQ report is
organized around the same outline or format, yet these reports are highly individualized. Each
report consists of 4 pages. All DQ reports are scored and printed within 3 minutes of data entry.
A one-page summary report can be printed after the four-page DQ report. This option is
available to DQ users. Sometimes, test users want to keep a
one-page report on file; whereas, other users may want to provide the
one-page report to referral agencies and keep the four-page DQ report
in their files. Each DQ user's needs may vary; consequently, the optional
one-page report is available if or when needed.
Additional information can be provided upon request by writing:
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. P.O. Box 44828 Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828.
Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506
Our fax number is (602) 266-8227
and our e-mail address is
sheryl@riskandneeds.com.
