Assessment of Response Bias in Forensic Contexts in the UK: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this article was to systematically review the literature on self-report measures of response bias used by UK psychologists within forensic contexts over the period 2009–2019 and determine if the measures had adequate reliability and validity. The review involved a systematic search of published and unpublished literature. PRISMA was used to guide the search process. PICO was used to set inclusion/exclusion criteria. Published quality review models were applied to structure and score the quality review. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed for quality using CASP. Quality scores mostly fell in the “moderate risk of bias” range. The majority of included studies focused on measures of socially desirable responding and impression management compared to malingering/overreporting. The PDS/BIDR was found to be the most frequently used self-report measure across prison, probation, and secure mental health settings, in contrast to measures used in other parts of the world. The PDS/BIDR has adequate validity and reliability, but there is a lack of normative data reported for UK forensic samples.