ABSTRACT
For forensic psychologists, the potential admissibility and usefulness of their conclusions are crucially related to the scientific basis of their testimony. Furthermore, the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, published by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2002), underscore the central role of empirical knowledge in formulating professional judgments and the importance of interpreting psychological assessment results within the context of research on the instrument's psychometric properties. The Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists (Committee on Ethical Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, 1991) similarly emphasizes scientific knowledge in the selection and utilization of methods and procedures in forensic evaluations. Given these ethical standards, and in order to maximize the likelihood that data and opinions will be both accurate and admissible in court, it is especially important that forensic psychologists choose and utilize test instruments in a manner that is consistent with available scientific evidence and the instruments' intended use.
