Validation of Scores on the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding

Abstract

The Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS), the most commonly used social desirability bias (SDB) assessment, conceptualizes SDB as an individual’s need for approval. The Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) measures SDB as two separate constructs: impression management and self-deception. Scores on SDB scales are commonly used to validate other measures although insufficiently validated themselves. This study used college students’ responses to the MCSDS and the BIDR to investigate their factorial validity. Using confirmatory factor analysis, neither a one-nor a two-factor model was found to be strongly supported. It is recommended that researchers be cautious when using scores on these SDB scales until their dimensionality is better understood.