Abstract
The impact of a request that examinees elaborate on their answers to a subset of items in a biodata instrument was evaluated. Four forms of a test in which different subsets of items are elaborated were randomly administered to 4 groups of examinees taking a pilot form of a selection instrument for a civil service position. Results indicated significantly lower scores on items for which elaborations were requested than the items for which no elaborations were requested. Lower scores were also observed for nonelaborated items when these items were embedded among those that were elaborated, and lower scores were found when the elaborated items were presented only in the first half of the test. Although the results suggest that requiring elaborated answers may reduce scores on biodata items, several practical and theoretical questions should be investigated to determine the utility of this approach as a method of reducing socially desirable responding.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.