Death row Quote by Robert Blecker
““But he did refuse to answer one question on the MMPI. “And I told the guy I would leave this one particular question blank. When you answer ‘true’ it automatically pops up on the psychopathic deviance scale that you’re paranoid. You have to answer ‘true’ or ‘false.’ And the question is, ‘Someone is trying to kill me.’” I burst out laughing and felt thoroughly ashamed for losing sight of the seriousness of it all. But asking the condemned on death row whether someone is trying to kill him to prove him paranoid—too much.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Podcast on forensic psychology, 2015
The speaker mocked a psychological test question that forces a paranoid answer, highlighting absurdity of labeling and the moral weight of confronting death‑row inmates.
In simple terms: A test question can make someone seem paranoid, but it’s ethically troubling.
Key Takeaway
Question the validity of forced‑choice assessments.
Themes
ethics
psychology
death penalty
paranoia
testing
Mood
skeptical
reflective
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- clinical assessment
- legal settings
- research design
Key Concepts
psychometrics
moral philosophy
diagnostic bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ethical to use such questions on vulnerable populations?
- How does forced choice affect truthfulness?
A Different Perspective
The test may not accurately reflect true mental state; it can be misused.
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