In other words, new criterion groups were established consisting of individuals grouped on the basis of similarities in their MMPI profiles.
In this approach, the characteristics of a criterion group, consisting of subject who showed elevation on two scales (for example, the psychopathic deviate and hypomanics-individuals scales), could be empirically determined.
The difference in approach meant the MMPI configural patterns, rather than psychiatric diagnosis, became the criterion for selection of homogeneous criterion groups.