Posted on Oct 4, 2015
Would it make a difference if potential gun owners were given a "psychological" test?
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http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/19/16588357-anger-violent-thoughts-are-you-too-sick-to-own-a-gun?lite
Ok...so since people kill...not guns kill...People kill with guns...Currently people are checked to see if they've had any mental issues, mental instability or been institutionalized....but what about the people who are coo coo, but don't have a record.
Should some sort of psychological testing be devised and given to potential gun owners to see if they may be or have the potential to be crazy or maybe go out and do something crazy?
Many employers give a "psychological" test to potential employees to weed out the ones who they believe would not fit in or would not treat a customer the way they should be or any other number of reasons.
With psychology these days....they can devise a very specific test that would show ...hey, it would not be good such a good idea to give this guy a gun....maybe there would be a secondary back up system for those who don't pass....and if they fail the 2nd test...then they should definitely not be given a gun.
The tests devised these days are super accurate. It's amazing how these tests can pin point things. These type of tests are not developed over night...they take a few years to device, put together, tested and re tested before they are used.
Here is how I see it.
There are professional companies who specialize in these tests. They are hired by huge mulit million and multi billion dollar companies. They have nothing to do with the US government or obama care.
The test would be kind of like or just like at the police academy, a person who wants to become a police officer has to take one of the psychological evaluation...because lord knows we do not need a off the wall police officer....it's the same basic concept...we don't need people being able to get guns if they are coo coo....I can't believe that people are so stuck on their 2nd amendment rights that they cannot see that this type of thing just makes it a little safer....If someone fails the test, then they can make an appointment with a
I'm just trying to come up with some ideas that may be able to help stop crazy people from killing.
SO IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN COME UP WITH A BETTER IDEA, then please by all means present it.
Ok...so since people kill...not guns kill...People kill with guns...Currently people are checked to see if they've had any mental issues, mental instability or been institutionalized....but what about the people who are coo coo, but don't have a record.
Should some sort of psychological testing be devised and given to potential gun owners to see if they may be or have the potential to be crazy or maybe go out and do something crazy?
Many employers give a "psychological" test to potential employees to weed out the ones who they believe would not fit in or would not treat a customer the way they should be or any other number of reasons.
With psychology these days....they can devise a very specific test that would show ...hey, it would not be good such a good idea to give this guy a gun....maybe there would be a secondary back up system for those who don't pass....and if they fail the 2nd test...then they should definitely not be given a gun.
The tests devised these days are super accurate. It's amazing how these tests can pin point things. These type of tests are not developed over night...they take a few years to device, put together, tested and re tested before they are used.
Here is how I see it.
There are professional companies who specialize in these tests. They are hired by huge mulit million and multi billion dollar companies. They have nothing to do with the US government or obama care.
The test would be kind of like or just like at the police academy, a person who wants to become a police officer has to take one of the psychological evaluation...because lord knows we do not need a off the wall police officer....it's the same basic concept...we don't need people being able to get guns if they are coo coo....I can't believe that people are so stuck on their 2nd amendment rights that they cannot see that this type of thing just makes it a little safer....If someone fails the test, then they can make an appointment with a
I'm just trying to come up with some ideas that may be able to help stop crazy people from killing.
SO IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN COME UP WITH A BETTER IDEA, then please by all means present it.
Posted in these groups: 
Gun Control
2nd Amendment
Gun Control 2nd Amendment
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 53
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I recon that test could also be used to determine who will mug you, and who will commit adultry, and drive thru a red light ... they can't tell where to draw a line for what is normal kinky or crazy... much less tell who when or why someone will snap because they didn't win the lottery before the rent was due, somewhat like when someone decides to commit suicide. Could be a new wave of suicide to not die alone and maybe have someone else pull the trigger
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Sgt Kelli Mays
The tests devised these days are super accurate. It's amazing how these tests can pin point things. These type of tests are not developed over night...they take a few years to device, put together, tested and re tested before they are used.
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MSgt Manuel Diaz
Sgt Kelli Mays - if they were that good the government would use them in court cases to crucify those opposing them no matter how unconstitutionally applied
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MAJ (Join to see)
Type I and type II errors.
It is generally acceptable that 100 guilty people walk free rather than allow 1 innocent person to be wrongly convicted. The tests are not that accurate they clearly state on the test packages there are not to be used for evidence, but they are helpful to identify risks.
It is generally acceptable that 100 guilty people walk free rather than allow 1 innocent person to be wrongly convicted. The tests are not that accurate they clearly state on the test packages there are not to be used for evidence, but they are helpful to identify risks.
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SGT Michael Glenn
Yes it would...I hate everyone and probably wouldnt get one, then Id hate everyone even more !!!!!
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Psychological testing for all is much like the TSA checking every passenger the exact same way. It might give a warm feeling to many but will likely do little in the way of protection.
First, you place way too much confidence and surety in "psychological" testing. It is not an exact science and is filed with nuance and ranges of potential etc. Companies use them to screen behavioral trends/decision making etc. not to determine if someone is clinically "unstable" or insane etc.
Which other rights would you be willing to forfeit at the completion of a psychological test? Would you give up the right to speak because it can be dangerous too, so can assembly, religion etc. Will we then move toward punishing people for potential crime with these tests?
This is a new way by the left to get the false science of psychoanalysis involved in stripping people they do no like of rights they do not want them to have. It is simply a bad idea under a false premise namely that you could create a test that could even remotely predict behavior in the future.
As Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS pointed out, we are being whipped into a frenzy by people that want us to be whipped into a frenzy. You are very safe in this country and there are far more dangerous things to protect people from than "mass shooters".
First, you place way too much confidence and surety in "psychological" testing. It is not an exact science and is filed with nuance and ranges of potential etc. Companies use them to screen behavioral trends/decision making etc. not to determine if someone is clinically "unstable" or insane etc.
Which other rights would you be willing to forfeit at the completion of a psychological test? Would you give up the right to speak because it can be dangerous too, so can assembly, religion etc. Will we then move toward punishing people for potential crime with these tests?
This is a new way by the left to get the false science of psychoanalysis involved in stripping people they do no like of rights they do not want them to have. It is simply a bad idea under a false premise namely that you could create a test that could even remotely predict behavior in the future.
As Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS pointed out, we are being whipped into a frenzy by people that want us to be whipped into a frenzy. You are very safe in this country and there are far more dangerous things to protect people from than "mass shooters".
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Sgt Kelli Mays
We see how well these psychological evaluations work on inmates who return to a life of crime. How about the police officers who get by on these psychological evaluations and go bat crazy. I just don't think it is a viable solution. You know there will be false positives and just cause havoc in someones life, then what? How about a national register of anyone with mental issues with the potential to do harm to themselves, family or friends. Then all firearm dealers could run the names through the data base. But that still won't stop the black market or maybe we should do a psychological evaluation on them!
We see how well these psychological evaluations work on inmates who return to a life of crime. How about the police officers who get by on these psychological evaluations and go bat crazy. I just don't think it is a viable solution. You know there will be false positives and just cause havoc in someones life, then what? How about a national register of anyone with mental issues with the potential to do harm to themselves, family or friends. Then all firearm dealers could run the names through the data base. But that still won't stop the black market or maybe we should do a psychological evaluation on them!
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This is a sticky one.It would depend on who created the test, it's parameters, and who would be conducting the testing. It's something that could very easily be abused.
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Sgt Kelli Mays
Many employers give a "psychological" test to potential employees to weed out the ones who they believe would not fit in or would not treat a customer the way they should be or any other number of reasons.
With psychology these days....they can devise a very specific test that would show ...hey, it would not be good such a good idea to give this guy a gun....maybe there would be a secondary back up system for those who don't pass....and if they fail the 2nd test...then they should definitely not be given a gun.
The tests devised these days are super accurate. It's amazing how these tests can pin point things. These type of tests are not developed over night...they take a few years to device, put together, tested and re tested before they are used.
Here is how I see it.
There are professional companies who specialize in these tests. They are hired by huge mulit million and multi billion dollar companies. They have nothing to do with the US government or obama care.
The test would be kind of like or just like at the police academy, a person who wants to become a police officer has to take one of the psychological evaluation...because lord knows we do not need a off the wall police officer....it's the same basic concept...we don't need people being able to get guns if they are coo coo....I can't believe that people are so stuck on their 2nd amendment rights that they cannot see that this type of thing just makes it a little safer....If someone fails the test, then they can make an appointment with a
I'm just trying to come up with some ideas that may be able to help stop crazy people from killing. Aren't you tired of these mass shootings? Are you not tired of all of these kids dying?..and adults? Well, I am.
SO IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN COME UP WITH A BETTER IDEA, then please by all means present it.
With psychology these days....they can devise a very specific test that would show ...hey, it would not be good such a good idea to give this guy a gun....maybe there would be a secondary back up system for those who don't pass....and if they fail the 2nd test...then they should definitely not be given a gun.
The tests devised these days are super accurate. It's amazing how these tests can pin point things. These type of tests are not developed over night...they take a few years to device, put together, tested and re tested before they are used.
Here is how I see it.
There are professional companies who specialize in these tests. They are hired by huge mulit million and multi billion dollar companies. They have nothing to do with the US government or obama care.
The test would be kind of like or just like at the police academy, a person who wants to become a police officer has to take one of the psychological evaluation...because lord knows we do not need a off the wall police officer....it's the same basic concept...we don't need people being able to get guns if they are coo coo....I can't believe that people are so stuck on their 2nd amendment rights that they cannot see that this type of thing just makes it a little safer....If someone fails the test, then they can make an appointment with a
I'm just trying to come up with some ideas that may be able to help stop crazy people from killing. Aren't you tired of these mass shootings? Are you not tired of all of these kids dying?..and adults? Well, I am.
SO IF ANYONE OUT THERE CAN COME UP WITH A BETTER IDEA, then please by all means present it.
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SGT Dana Williams
I've administered MMPI's to many potential officers and found they're only as effective as the person administering the test. The next question would be, who would select the "independent" group to administer these tests? You would have to search far, and wide, to find an independent group to conduct the evaluation. At present, the current system is highly effective in that very few who have obtained firearms have used them for criminal purposes. I'm afraid this is all a knee-jerk reaction that is being exploited for purely political purposes.
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If the "psychological" test was standardized and administered by an independent group with no government ties then it may be reasonable Sgt Kelli Mays.
The test would need to be focused on mental illness including inability to recognize reality from insanity, not being able to discern good from evil behavior, habitual illegal drug use, etc.
The test should never include political affiliation questions, etc.
The "psychological" test should not be administered to all potential gun owners only to those who exhibited signs of mental illness including drug use at time of purchase.
The test would need to be focused on mental illness including inability to recognize reality from insanity, not being able to discern good from evil behavior, habitual illegal drug use, etc.
The test should never include political affiliation questions, etc.
The "psychological" test should not be administered to all potential gun owners only to those who exhibited signs of mental illness including drug use at time of purchase.
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SGT Dana Williams
Any psychological test has an inherent weakness as not test can be created that can project all scenarios that may impact an individual. Tests such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Index actually have a limited scope of expertise.They will weed out perhaps 90% of individuals with personality disorders, but they are not absolute.
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LTC Stephen F.
SSG Gerhard S. - I concur with your reasoning. Unfortunately I would expect it would cost thousands of dollars to mitigate for hundreds if not thousands of cases.
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Sgt Kelli Mays
ok, so just wondering why you think it would not.... Many employers give a "psychological" test to potential employees to weed out the ones who they believe would not fit in or would not treat a customer the way they should be or any other number of reasons.
With psychology these days....they can devise a very specific test that would show ...hey, it would not be good to give this guy a gun.
With psychology these days....they can devise a very specific test that would show ...hey, it would not be good to give this guy a gun.
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LTC (Join to see)
Sgt Kelli Mays - We do not do it to join the military. And if a person wants to kill they will find a guy somewhere or a knife or make a bomb.
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Sgt Kelli Mays
LTC (Join to see) - yes, but that's what basic training is for.
You are right I suppose...if someone wants to kill someone, they probably will find a way to do it.
You are right I suppose...if someone wants to kill someone, they probably will find a way to do it.
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No. What would be next? People scream when you say drug testing and welfare in the same sentence. Perhaps we should develop a sanity test for all the moronic politicians and if they fail they should be locked up. If someone is going to do something, a test, law, etc will not stop them. The criminals are still going to get guns, explosives, etc. The only people who are being punished for this is the law a biding citizen. Stop blaming the object (gun, flag, etc) and hold people accountable for their actions.
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I can see gangbangers and the mentally ill lining up to take these psychological tests to BUY a gun! Adam Lanza's MOTHER purchased guns for her mentally disturbed son. Criminals don't buy their guns at Wal*Mart, they steal them or get them from their cohorts. Or you can get them directly from the Federal government's Fast and Furious 'strawman' layaway program...BTW, which population already have a highly-documented condition related to stress and anxiety that is already defined as a mental disorder in the DSM V? Hint: it's not criminals.
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IMHO, a psychological assessment is as valid as a STD test... its good at the time its administered, but conditions could change in an hour that would render it moot.
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Sgt Spencer Sikder
LTC Frank D., very interesting point. We had a veteran who saw his provider one day and the very next day took his life. He told the provider he wasn't thinking of harming himself, but then does. Society first blamed the provider indicating the provider failed and should have saw that when the provider met with the veteran. There was no thought by society that something transpired after the veteran left his provider. In another case my late brother-in-law spoke with a pastor one day, even helped with a church function. Within days, he too took his life. What conditions changed after the contact in both cases, we don't know.
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LTC (Join to see)
Sgt Spencer Sikder - That's my point exactly. I wish there was a barometer that would gauge fits of rage, but there is not. Fact is that a person of reasonable intelligence can manipulate a psychological exam to have it read whatever he/she wants.
Like most, these senseless killings bother me, but I don't see an easy fix. I think that we as society have deviated from sensible responsibility and until we can find a way to make things right this will likely continue.
Like most, these senseless killings bother me, but I don't see an easy fix. I think that we as society have deviated from sensible responsibility and until we can find a way to make things right this will likely continue.
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