Social scientists have long agreed that satisficing behavior increases error and reduces the validity of survey data. There have been numerous reviews on detecting satisficing behavior, but preventing this behavior has received less attention. The current narrative review provides empirically supported guidance on preventing satisficing by…

After 100 years of discussion, response bias remains a controversial topic in psychological measurement. The use of bias indicators in applied assessment is predicated on the assumptions that (a) response bias suppresses or moderates the criterion-related validity of substantive psychological indicators and (b) bias indicators are capable of…

Reviews randomized response technique (RRT), survey method developed to reduce or eliminate underreporting of sensitive behaviors. Describes RRT models successfully used in application studies, considers issues important in using various RRT models, and illustrates their use with some realistic data examples. Discusses techniques for reducing…

Reviews the literature in pain perception to clarify the influence of sex and menstrual phase on the phenomenon of pain. The appropriateness of the measures of pain threshold, pain tolerance, discrimination accuracy, and of response bias to the study of pain are discussed. (Author)

This review presents an overview of selected articles on the leniency hypothesis: the idea that students give higher evaluations to instructors who grade more leniently. Such articles comprise a small subset of the voluminous research on student evaluations of teaching (SETs). In this diverse literature, research methods and aims have frequently…

This paper reviews the literature of the use of frequency expressions as questionnaire anchor points. Utilizing data obtained through ratio estimation, an approximately equal interval measurement scale is developed for a five-point response category set. (Author/GK)

Explores response styles and sets capable of altering a person's responses in the thinking portion of the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS). Constructs and incorporates into the PICTS validity scales to measure confusion and defensiveness. Results reveal that internal consistency, reliability, and validity of these two…

This brief review of research examines the mail questionnaire as a research tool. Major topics reported are the advantages and disadvantages of mail surveys response rates, and questionnaire construction. Among the advantages reported are ease of distribution and tabulation, the possibility of a large sample and geographic range, low cost,…

The taxonomy of test wiseness constructed by Millman and others is discussed. Other aspects of test wiseness are reviewed, such as additional influencing factors, manifestations, theoretical approaches, correlates, measures, and methods of minimizing its effects. (MH)

Examines self-reported response distortion in adolescents who received a brief intervention to reduce their smoking. Findings indicate that age and ethnicity of respondent may influence reported response distortion. Factors that appear to influence under- and over-reporting include social desirability and fear of repercussion. (Contains 30…

A format is suggested for testing using free association techniques. In this system, students are given key words or phrases and asked to relate as much relevant information as they can. Scoring techniques, strengths, and weaknesses of such open-ended approaches are discussed, along with possible suggestions for implementation. (PB)

An assumption that is fundamental to the scoring of student-constructed responses (e.g., essays) is the ability of raters to focus on the response characteristics of interest rather than on other features. A common example, and the focus of this study, is the ability of raters to score a response based on the content achievement it demonstrates…

Considers three areas of research in which currently accepted research practices are contrasted with alternative practices in order to establish the validity of the incumbent and/or the value of the newer approach. Implications for appropriate research methodology in counseling psychology are discussed. (Author/RC)

Discusses Meehan, Woll, and Abbott's study showing that scores on Hogan's Survey of Ethical Attitudes (SEA) are affected by instructions to simulate politically liberal or conservative attitudes. This paper asserts that test-taking is a form of self-presentation, identical to everyday social interactions. Woll responds, reasserting his…

The author explains his research on learning differences between children of Hawaii's different ethnic groups, particularly the Oriental-Americans. His studies focus on two separate variables: fast-slow instruction and locus of control. (SJL)