Abstract
Even when relatively infrequent, deviant response sets, such as defensive and careless responding, can have remarkably robust
effects on individual and group data and thereby distort clinical evaluations and research outcomes. Given such potential
adverse impacts and the widespread use of self-report measures when appraising addictions and addictive behavior, the detection
of deviant response sets is an important clinical and research objective. Using a video game questionnaire as an exemplar,
we examined the capacity of individuals to manipulate questionnaire scores and the effectiveness of various items to detect
defensive, careless, and random responding. Individuals who obtained elevated questionnaire results when instructed to respond
honesty often reduced their scores to unremarkable levels under “fake good” instructions. Most types of items for detecting
defensive responding were ineffective with a possible exception, although items for detecting random and careless responding
seemed promising. Potential guides for item development and use are provided.
effects on individual and group data and thereby distort clinical evaluations and research outcomes. Given such potential
adverse impacts and the widespread use of self-report measures when appraising addictions and addictive behavior, the detection
of deviant response sets is an important clinical and research objective. Using a video game questionnaire as an exemplar,
we examined the capacity of individuals to manipulate questionnaire scores and the effectiveness of various items to detect
defensive, careless, and random responding. Individuals who obtained elevated questionnaire results when instructed to respond
honesty often reduced their scores to unremarkable levels under “fake good” instructions. Most types of items for detecting
defensive responding were ineffective with a possible exception, although items for detecting random and careless responding
seemed promising. Potential guides for item development and use are provided.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-012-9390-5
- Authors
- Kyle A. Faust, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles Campus, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Faust, Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
- Aaron M. Baker, Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
- Joseph F. Meyer, Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, USA
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874