A model of examinee behavior was used to generate hypotheses about the operation of true-false scores. Confirmation of hypotheses supported the contention that true-false scores contain an error component that makes these tests less reliable than multiple-choice tests. Examinee response style may invalidate a total true-false score. (Author/DWH)

The influence of scale format on results was examined. Two Likert type formats, one with all choice points defined and one with only end-points defined, were administered. Each subject completed half the items in each format. Results indicated little difference between forms, nor did subjects indicate a format preference. (Author/DWH)

Either positive or negative test instructions and two item types (attitude or personality) were administered to undergraduates. Students were more likely to respond true when receiving positive instructions. Students receiving attitude test instructions were not more likely to respond true than students receiving personality test instructions.…

This study provides support for the hypothesized effect of leniency on the discriminant validity of grouped questionnaire items. It was found that controlling for leniency resulted in a slight decrement in convergent validity but that discriminant validity was substantially improved. Implications for questionnaire validity and further research are…

Studied potential checking and response bias on the Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL) by comparing scores of college students on true-false, forced-choice, and standard formats. By demonstrating only a weak social desirability response bias and failing to reveal checking bias, results support using the standard format. (Author)

In examining response style effects on various commonly used fixed-response formats, Likert-type formats were relatively consistently affected regardless of the number of format categories. Nonanchored numbers were less affected. Across types, strong correlations for the linear formats and human faces made their use problematic. (Author/CM)

Effects of item presentation mode on degree of leniency bias in responses to field research questionnaires were studied. Two modes were examined: first with items measuring the same dimensions grouped together and second with such items distributed randomly. The random mode showed substantially less leniency response bias. (Author/BW)

The empirical evidence does not support the prevailing conventional wisdom that it is advisable to mix positively and negatively worded items in psychological measures to counteract acquiescence response bias. An experiment, evaluating subjects' ability to respond accurately to both positive and reversed items on a questionnaire, analyzed post-hoc…

Undergraduates (N=141) completed different versions of Palmore's Facts on Aging (FAQ) quizzes to test effects of "don't know" (DK) answers. Findings suggest the DK option yields more accurate knowledge scores, eliminates guessing, enhances the use of FAQ as a research instrument and for pre/post evaluation of training in aging.…

Two forms of an undergraduate examination were constructed. Tests varied with respect to item truth value (true, false) and method of phrasing (positive, negative). Negatively stated items were more difficult but not more discriminating than positively stated items. False items were not more difficult but were more discriminating than true items.…

In order to determine effects of different sequential placement of the expressive language sample during evaluation of young children referred for speech or languge handicap, 27 normal 3-year-olds were evaluated. Length, complexity, or spontaneity were not affected even when the sample was elicited immediately after formal tests requiring little…

Presents 2 studies that examined theory of mind: first studied false belief in 3-4 year olds, and second studied second order attribution in 4 year olds. Results indicated that, when the test situation is realistic and actively involves the children, understanding of ignorance and false belief is seen at a younger age than when the traditional…

In a study of questioning formats, children and adults answered spelling questions in an open-ended condition or one of two close-ended conditions where options were likely or unlikely. Participants presented with unlikely-response options generated their own responses more often than participants presented with likely-response options. Children…

The major purpose of the three studies reported here was to investigate possible differences in agreement/disagreement with attitude statements as a function of their type (with regard to positivity/negativity) and personalism. In the first study, 90 students completed scales on energy conservation and on having good study habits. Agreement varied…

This investigation of the effect of making a set of alternatives conform grammatically to a test item stem showed there is subject sensitivity to such cues. Content-free versions of American College Testing Assessment Experimental Social Science items representing singular-plural and vowel-consonant agreement without inappropriate grammatical…