ADULT PRETRIAL TEST

Designed for defendant (misdemeanor and felony) assessment

The Adult Pretrial Test (APT) is designed for defendant (male and female) assessment. The Adult Pretrial Test (APT) contains seven measures or scales. It measures defendant truthfulness, calculates the severity of alcohol and drug use, utilizes DSM-IV criteria to classify substance abuse/dependency, quantifies violence (lethality) potential, assesses antisocial thinking and determines the defendant's stress coping abilities. All of these calculations are completed and reports are printed within 2½ minutes on-site. The APT is an automated (computer-scored) self-report defendant test.

The Adult Pretrial Test is particularly appropriate because the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is solidly based upon DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) symptomatology and criteria.  In addition, scale-related recommendations are ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) compatible.  ASAM presents patient placement criteria for the treatment of Substance-Related Disorders

Description

The Adult Pretrial Test (APT) is designed for defendant (misdemeanor or felony) assessment in court settings. The APT is particularly useful in substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse-related cases. It is also used in probation and community corrections program screening.

The APT has 162 items and takes 35 minutes, on average, to complete. It has a fifth to sixth grade reading level. APT reports are computer-scored and printed on-site within 2½ minutes of test completion. The APT has 7 measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale, 2. Alcohol Severity Scale, 3. Drugs Severity Scale, 4. Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale, 5. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 6. Antisocial Reaction Scale and 7. Stress Quotient Scale.

The Adult Pretrial Test (APT) evolved from the Defendant Questionnaire (DQ). The APT title was adopted to facilitate test purpose recognition. Both the DQ and APT have been standardized on the same adult defendant population.

The APT evaluates the defendant’s test taking attitude and identifies faking. It measures substance use and severity of abuse. The APT integrates DSM-IV substance abuse/dependency criteria with alcohol and drug severity measures and recommendations in accordance with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) guidelines. It also quantifies violence (lethality) potential and antisocial tendencies. And, the APT also measures the defendant’s ability to cope with stress. It’s an understatement to say the APT is much more than just another alcohol or drug test.

TOPICS FOR EASY REFERENCE
The following links provide quick access to some of the unique features of the Adult Pretrial Test (APT) that are described within this webpage.
Advantages of Screening	Reading Impaired Assessment
APT Database	Why Select the APT?
APT Scale Interpretation	Test Comparison Checklist
Reliability & Validity	Free Examination Kit
3 Ways to Give the APT	Example APT Report
Test Unit Fee (Cost)	APT Research Study

Seven APT Scales (Measures)

1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale: Measures how truthful the defendant was while completing the APT. 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 (Validity) Scale detects denial and faking.
    
2. Alcohol Severity 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.
    
3. Drugs Severity 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 Severity Scale.
    
4. Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale: Substance (alcohol and/or other drugs) users are classified with DSM-IV criteria as abusers, dependent or non-pathological users.
    
5. 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.
    
6. Antisocial Reaction 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.
    
7. Stress Quotient 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.

"Objective and accurate defendant assessment"

APT Test Booklet

APT test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 162 items and are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the APT. Questions are direct and easily understood. It takes 35 minutes, on average, for defendants to complete the test. APT test booklets are available in both English and Spanish.

APT Reports

In brief, APT 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. For example, these reports include an APT 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.

To go directly to the example APT report, click on the APT Report link. After reviewing the report, you can return to this section by clicking on the "Return to APT Reports Section" link.

APT Report Highlights

** Adult Pretrial Test **

Truth-Corrected Scores   Comprehensive 4-Page Report   Seven Measures (Scales) Summarized   Significant Items Highlighted   APT Profile (Graph) of Results   Court-Related Information Summarized   Built-in Concise Multiple Choice Items Specific Score-Related Recommendations   Space Provided for Evaluators’ Comments   ASAM Compatible Recommendations   Substance Abuse Dependency Scale based on DSM-IV criteria

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:

APT 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 70^th percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon the thousands of offenders that have taken the Adult Pretrial Test (APT). This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids both extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A state, department, court or agency's 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.

Adult Pretrial Test (APT) scales identify the areas they screen. And, these scales (measures) are: 1. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale, 2. Alcohol Severity Scale, 3. Drugs Severity Scale, 4. Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale, 5. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 6. Antisocial Reaction Scale and 7. Stress Quotient Scale.

"Demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy"

APT Software

The APT is available in MS-DOS or Windows formatted test application diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain all of their own software. In contrast, Windows diskettes require a simple one-time computer setup procedure after which APT data diskettes are used. Training manuals are provided free, and new test users can be walked through these procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs') telephone line.

Proprietary APT diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print APT reports on-site. Once an APT 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 APT 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).

The "APT: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the APT works and should be read by staff. The "APT: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses other unique APT computer-related features.

APT Database

The APT system contains a proprietary database. Earlier, it was noted that all APT used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data along with related demographics are downloaded into the APT 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.

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 APT database.

Advantages of a built-in database are many and include database (research) analysis and annual summary reports.

Returned diskettes from an agency, department or court can be selected from the database for research and analysis. The APT is restandardized annually on a state-by-state basis at no additional cost to users. Database analysis insures quality control.

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. To review an example report, click on this Annual Summary Reports link.

In summary, having all used APT tests' data centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices in the APT database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency distributions, correlations, ANOVA, cross-tab 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 Reports link.

Reliability, Validity and Accuracy

The APT 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 "APT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."

Annual database analysis has revealed that APT scales maintain very high reliability coefficients and minimum interscale correlations.

For example, the internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for APT scales are reported below for 603 defendants screened in the year 2002. This is one among several APT studies.

Reliability of the APT (N=603, 2002)
APT Scales	Coefficient Alpha	Significance Level
Truthfulness	.91	p<.001
Violence	.89	p<.001
Antisocial Reaction	.86	p<.001
Alcohol Severity	.94	p<.001
Drugs Severity	.93	p<.001
Stress Quotient	.94	p<.001
Substance Abuse/Dependency	.95	p<.001

The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is a classification scale based on DSM-IV criteria. In contrast, the Alcohol and Drugs Severity Scales are measurement scales. They measure the severity of alcohol and drug abuse.

All APT scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

APT research extends over 10 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, MacAndrews, Driver Risk Inventory, experienced staff ratings, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the document titled "APT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, many discriminant validity (first versus multiple offenders) and predictive validity (defendants that had substance abuse treatment versus non-treatment) database analyses support APT validity. And, as noted earlier, ongoing database research is done to evaluate reliability, validity and accuracy on an annual basis.

APT norms are updated annually for each APT scale. Separate norms are available for gender (males and females), ethnicity (Caucasian, Black and Hispanic), 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 APT has been normed on Caucasians, Blacks and Hispanics, and these ethnic norms are reevaluated in the APT’s annual database analysis. The APT is accurate and fair.

The APT research study is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this research, click the APT Research Study link.

Staff Member Input. Some people advocate fully automated assessment. Risk & Needs does not. The APT 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 APT report: "Adult Pretrial Test (APT) results are working hypotheses 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 APT results."

Unique APT Features

Truthfulness (Validity) Scale: Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that most defendants attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness (Validity) Scale is a necessary component in contemporary tests. The APT's Truthfulness (Validity) Scale has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and experienced staff judgment. The APT's Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the APT's Truthfulness (Validity) 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 alcohol or drug test"

Truth-Corrected scores have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction process is comparable to the MMPI's K-Scale correction. The APT's Truthfulness (Validity) 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 Abuse/Dependency Scale: Categorizes defendants as substance abusers or substance dependent in accordance with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4^th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Such classification augments the Alcohol Severity Scale and Drugs Severity Scale's severity of abuse measures. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes there are exceptions to DSM-IV classification, and these exceptions are made according to the severity of the client’s substance abuse. In other words, exceptions to DSM-IV 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 APT users to identify people capable of harming themselves and others. Extremely violent (lethal) individuals score at or above the 90^th percentile on the Violence (Lethality) Scale, and these people are dangerous. This is a very important, yet often overlooked, behavior pattern when screening defendants.

"Violence (Lethality) and Antisocial Reaction Scales"

Antisocial Reaction Scale: Measures the degree to which a person is opposed to society or moral codes. Antisocial tendencies refer 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 Quotient 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 90^th percentile on the Stress Quotient 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 APT assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality) potential, antisocial tendencies and emotional/mental health problems.

The APT is specifically designed for defendant assessment. It provides the information needed at pretrial for comprehensive defendant screening.

Three ways to give the APT. The APT can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. APT 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 APT 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 "APT: 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 the 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 APT 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.

"'Delete names procedure' protects defendant confidentiality"

Confidentiality. Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete defendant 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 defendant 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 APT database for subsequent analysis.

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 APT answer sheet responses into the computer can take 40 to 60 seconds. Consequently, the data input verification procedure is done quickly.

Inventory of Scientific Findings. Much of the APT research has been gathered together in a document titled "APT: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes APT research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This chronological reporting format was established largely because of the APT 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 APT into a state-of-the-art defendant assessment instrument.

Orientation and Training Manual. The "APT: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the APT works. It is a must read for staff that will be using the APT. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: instructions for testing, explanations of how scores are derived and how court-related information is used, a description of unique APT features and much much more. The O&T Manual is provided to APT users at no additional cost.

Computer Operating Guide. Some computer operators want more information than others. Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a One-Page Quick Start, which includes basic instructions for scoring APT’s, and a more comprehensive "APT: Computer Operating Guide." The "APT: Computer Operating Guide" contains instructions for using MS-DOS as well as Windows software. This manual discusses hardware, software, scoring, printing reports, unique program features and much more. The "APT: Computer Operating Guide" is provided to APT users at no additional cost.

Staff Training. Risk & Needs' staff are available to participate in APT 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 APT training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their APT 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.

Automated Criminogenic Structured Interview (ACSI): The ACSI is a structured interview, not a test. The ACSI consists of 65 multiple choice items. It obtains comprehensive background history, pattern of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and criminogenic needs information. Whatever multiple choice item answer that is selected is printed in the ACSI report. Use of the ACSI is voluntary (not required). The ACSI is free. ACSI use is restricted to users of Risk & Needs adult tests. The ACSI is not a test, and it is not to be used as a stand alone test. The ACSI is a structured interview. For more information on the ACSI and to see an ACSI report, click on this ACSI link.

"Sound empirical basis for decisions"

Why select the APT?

The Adult Pretrial Test (APT) meets and exceeds most defendant screening criteria. It is endorsed by users, courts, evaluators and peers. It is used across the United States. The APT 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 APT’s seven scales measure truthfulness, classify substance abuse and dependency in accordance with DSM-IV 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. To review an example report, click on the Example APT Report link.

The APT’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. To review an annual report, click on the Annual Summary Reports link.

Defendants’ APT reports are timely (available on-site in 2½ minutes), readable and easy to understand. Score-related recommendations are relevant and helpful. And, Risk & Needs doesn’t stop there! The APT is very affordable. To review APT cost, click on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link.

Some important Adult Pretrial Test (APT) features were included as a result of pretrial and court needs. These include the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) compatible treatment recommendations. As discussed earlier, DSM-IV criteria were used in the development of the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale, which classifies defendants as substance abusers, substance dependent or non-pathological substance users. It was also noted that such classification augments the Alcohol Severity Scale and Drugs Severity Scale's severity of abuse measures. And, as noted by ASAM, there are exceptions to DSM-IV 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 helps make the APT uniquely suited for pretrial and court-related defendant evaluation.

Adult Pretrial Test

Some Adult Pretrial Test Highlights

Detects denial, minimization & faking   Designed for defendant screening   Violence (Lethality) Scale measures lethality   ASAM-compatible recommendations   Demonstrated reliability & validity   DSM-IV criteria for abuse/dependency   Seven scales for better understanding   Available in both English & Spanish   Strong accountability of recommendations   Built-in database insures ongoing research   Affordable: volume discounts available   30-day money back guarantee

 

Test Unit Fee (Cost): APT 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 APT demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that the software is contained on the diskette. This way, the one-time Windows setup program is avoided at the demo level. The examination kit contains a 1-test demo diskette, test booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), an "APT: Orientation and Training Manual," One-Page Quick Start and some descriptive information. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of receipt. To request a free examination kit, click on the Free Examination Kit Request link.

For More Information

Additional information can be provided upon request. Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227, and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Selecting a Defendant or Pretrial Screening Test

If you are selecting a defendant or pretrial 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 Adult Pretrial Test (APT).

TEST COMPARISON CHECKLIST
COMPARISON CATEGORIES	APT	Other
Designed Specifically for Defendant Evaluation	Yes
Test Reliability & Validity Research Provided	Yes
Test Completed in 35 Minutes	Yes
On-Site Reports within 2½ Minutes	Yes
Truthfulness (Validity) Scale to Detect Faking	Yes
Truth-Corrected Scores for Accuracy	Yes
Three Test Administration Options	Yes
1. Paper-Pencil (English & Spanish)	Yes
2. On Computer Screen (English & Spanish)	Yes
3. Human Voice Audio (English & Spanish)	Yes
Available in English and Spanish	Yes
Delete Defendant Names (Confidentiality) Procedure	Yes
HIPAA (federal regulation) Compliant	Yes
Test Data Input Verification (Scoring Accuracy)	Yes
Built-in Database	Yes
Annual Database Research (Free)	Yes
Annual Test Program Summary (Free)	Yes
Alcohol and Drugs Severity Scales	Yes
DSM-IV Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale	Yes
Violence (Lethality) Scale	Yes
Antisocial Reaction Scale	Yes
Stress Quotient Scale	Yes
ASAM-Compatible Scale Recommendations	Yes
Large Research Database	Yes
Available in MS-DOS and Windows	Yes
Easily Understood Reports	Yes
Staff Training (Free)	Yes
Examination Kits (Free)	Yes
Automated Criminogenic Structured Interview (Free)	Yes
Thirty-Day Money Back Guarantee	Yes
Very Affordable Test Unit Fee	Yes

Multidimensional APT Profiles

APT Interpretation

An example 4-page Adult Pretrial Test (APT) report follows this discussion of APT interpretation. It is provided as a ready reference to augment this dialogue. There are several levels of APT interpretation ranging from viewing the APT as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and scale interrelationships.

The following table is a starting point for interpreting APT scale scores.

APT 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 70^th percentile or higher. Elevated scale scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70^th percentile. Severe problems are identified by scale scores at or above the 90^th percentile. Severe problems represent the highest 11% of defendants evaluated with the APT. The APT has been normed on defendants. And, this normative sample continues to expand with each APT test that is administered.

SCALE INTERPRETATION

1. Truthfulness (Validity) 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 89^th percentile mean that all APT scales are accurate. Scale scores in the 70^th to 89^th percentile range are accurate because they have been Truth-Corrected. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale scores at or above the 90^th percentile mean that all APT 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 90^th to 100^th 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 (Validity) Scale score is important because it shows whether or not the defendant answered APT test items honestly. Truthfulness (Validity) Scale scores at or below the 89^th percentile indicate that all other APT scale scores are accurate. One of the first things to check when reviewing an APT report is the Truthfulness (Validity) 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 (Lethality) Scale with an elevated Antisocial, Alcohol Severity or Drugs Severity 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 (Lethality) Scale, the worse the prognosis.

An elevated Stress Quotient Scale with an elevated Violence (Lethality) Scale score provides insight regarding co-determinants and possible treatment recommendations. A Severe Problem Violence (Lethality) Scale score is a malignant sign with or without other scale elevations and describes a dangerous person. The Violence (Lethality) Scale score can be interpreted independently or in combination with other APT scales.

3. Antisocial Reaction 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 Reaction 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 Reaction Scale score in conjunction with an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale, Drugs Severity Scale or Violence (Lethality) Scale score would be a malignant sign prognostically. A Severe Problem Stress Quotient Scale score with an elevated Severe Problem Antisocial Reaction Scale suggests the possibility of a suspicious/paranoid mental health problem. The Antisocial Reaction Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with other APT scales.

4. Alcohol Severity Scale: Measures alcohol use and the severity of abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquor. It is a licit substance. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Alcohol Severity Scale score is indicative of an emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Severity Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th 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 APT to correctly identify "recovering alcoholics."

Several APT items are printed on the "Significant Items" section of the report and again in the "Multiple Choice" (pages 3 and 4) section 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 Severity Scale score paragraphs clearly caution that the defendant may be "recovering."

In intervention and/or treatment settings, the defendant’s Alcohol Severity Scale score helps staff work through defendant denial. Most defendants accept the objective and standardized Alcohol Severity Scale score 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 Severity Scale scores are based on thousands of defendants who have completed the APT.

An elevated Alcohol Severity 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 (Lethality) Scale who also has an elevated Alcohol Severity Scale score, that defendant is even more dangerous when drinking.

When both the Alcohol and Drugs Severity Scales are elevated, the higher score represents the defendant’s substance of choice. When both are in the Severe Problem range (or higher), explore polysubstance abuse. The Alcohol Severity Scale can also be interpreted independently.

5. Drugs Severity Scale: Measures drug use and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, cocaine, crack, ice, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. These are illicit substances. An elevated (70^th to 89^th percentile) Drugs Severity Scale score is indicative of an emerging drug problem. A Drugs Severity Scale score in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) range identifies serious illicit drug abusers.

Similar to the Alcohol Severity 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 APT to correctly identify "recovering drug abusers."

Several APT items are printed in the "Significant Items" and "Multiple Choice" (pages 3 and 4) sections of the APT 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 Severity Scale score paragraphs clearly caution that the defendant may be "recovering."

In intervention and treatment settings, the defendant’s Drugs Severity Scale score helps staff work through defendant denial in a similar way as explained earlier for the Alcohol Severity Scale. And, an elevated Drugs Severity 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 (Lethality) Scale in conjunction with an elevated Drugs Severity Scale score increases the severity and risk associated with the Violence (Lethality) Scale when the defendant uses drugs.

When both the Drugs and Alcohol Severity 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 Severity Scale can also be interpreted independently.

6. Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale: Classifies defendants as substance abusers, substance dependent or non-pathological substance users in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4^th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria.

The APT Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale is entirely based on DSM-IV classification criteria for substance abuse and dependency. When a defendant admits to one of the four DSM-IV abuse symptoms (criteria), that defendant is classified in the substance abuse category. When a defendant admits to three of the seven DSM-IV dependency symptoms (criteria), that defendant is classified in the substance dependency category. When a defendant does not meet DSM-IV criteria for abuse or dependency, they are non-pathological substance users (if they use drugs).

There is an important difference between the APT Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale and the Alcohol and Drugs Severity Scales. The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale classifies people as abusers, dependent or non-pathological substance users (if they use drugs). The Alcohol Severity Scale and Drugs Severity 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-IV 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 Severity Scales measure severity of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse; whereas, the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale classifies people as substance abusers or substance dependent. The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale can be interpreted independently or in combination with the APT's Alcohol and Drugs Severity Scales.

7. Stress Quotient Scale: Measures how well the defendant copes with stress. It is now accepted that stress exacerbates symptoms of mental and emotional problems. Thus, an elevated Stress Quotient Scale score in conjunction with other elevated APT 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 Quotient Scale score can also exacerbate emotional and mental health symptomatology. When a Stress Quotient Scale score is in the Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th 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 Quotient Scale score can be interpreted independently or in combination with other APT scales.

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In conclusion, it was noted that there are several "levels" of APT interpretation ranging from viewing the APT as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships. Staff can then put APT test report findings within the context of the defendant’s life and court situation.

For more information as to how the APT works, users are encouraged to read the "APT: Orientation and Training Manual." Each scale's scoring methodology is explained, unique assessment features are discussed and more detailed information on the APT assessment system is presented. And, if you have any questions, please contact Risk & Needs so we can help.

Risk & Needs Contact Numbers

Write 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 hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Epilogue

The Adult Pretrial Test (APT) 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 APT’s state-of-the-art reputation.

How To Proceed

To become a Risk & Needs test user, click on the Agreement & Proposals link, click on the Print Client User Agreement button and fax the completed form to (602) 266-8227, or mail your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk & Needs, you become a Risk & Needs test user and can order tests. Established Risk & Needs test users can reorder tests by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.

Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.

    Test Unit Fee (Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs.
    New Client Order webpage link. Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs client."
    How to Order webpage link. Explains how Risk & Needs tests can be ordered.

Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

An example APT report follows.

APT reports summarize the defendant's self-reported court history, explain what attained scale scores mean and present specific score-related recommendations. Within 2½ minutes from test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 4-page reports are printed on-site.

The first page of the APT report begins with the defendant's name and some basic demographics. The APT profile summarizes all scales by name, the defendant's attained scale score and a graphic presentation of all scale scores. This enables the APT assessor to summarize APT findings with a glance. Page one concludes with a reproduction of the defendant-provided court history. It's sometimes interesting to compare defendant information with available records.