Disguising Personal Inventories: A Situated Identity Strategy

Abstract

The problems associated with disguise in scale construction are approached from the perspective of situated identity theory. Procedures are proposed to determine empirically the communicable meaning of scale-item responses, to measure precisely the dimensions along which responses are potentially reactive. The utility of the approach is assessed in a series of studies employing various response formats for Machiavellian scale items. Contrary to conclusions suggested by previous research employing groups of items, the data reveal that a simple, forced-choice format provides maximum disguise and minimal bias-but only if these forced-choice items are embedded among other items of extraneous content. The possibilities for extension of the approach are discussed.