A combined rationally-empirically developed Variable Response Scale for detecting the random response set in the Jesness Inventory.

Abstract

A Variable-Response Scale (VR) was developed for detecting randomness in the Jesness Inventory. Item pairs addressing similar content areas were identified. Pairs which showed endorsement frequencies of 5% or less in the scale development sample (250 males, 250 females) were included. Effectiveness was assessed by comparing 250 all-random and 250 part-random computer-generated protocols with those of honest subjects from a sample of 293 male delinquents classified as honest or not honest based on a matched-pair MMPI-A. VR was found to be very effective. Sensitivity, specificity, and other statistics were reported. Race differences were significant but very small. Younger children showed more inconsistency than older children. Age-based modified t-score norms were developed (1138 male, 358 female delinquents, ages 13-18).