Final answer:
A definitive diagnosis of depression cannot be made solely based on self-report inventories like the MMPI due to potential response biases and the need for corroborating evidence from other diagnostic methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
False: A definitive diagnosis of depression cannot be made solely based on self-report inventories.
Self-report inventories, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), use Likert scales to measure various personality traits and can indicate the potential for depressive disorders. However, these tests are limited as they can be subject to response biases where individuals may answer in a way that they believe is expected or desired. A comprehensive diagnosis of depression typically requires a combination of methods, including clinical interviews, behavioral observations, and possibly other forms of assessments that can corroborate the self-report data.
For example, the MMPI's clinical profile may signal the need for further evaluation, but it does not by itself confirm depression. Thus, while such inventories are valuable tools in the screening process, they are insufficient when used in isolation for diagnostic purposes.