Using principal component scores reduces the effect of socially desirable responding

Saar, K., Aavik, T. and Konstabel, K. (2012) Using principal component scores reduces the effect of socially desirable responding. Personality and Individual Differences, 53(3), pp. 279-283. (doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2012.03.030)

Abstract

Konstabel, Aavik, and Allik (2006) have found that controlling for social desirability in self- and peer-reports of personality using NEO Personality Inventory results in higher consensus. We report a reanalysis of these data showing that a similar effect is achieved when factor scores are used instead of unit-weight scores. The factor scores were also closer to being orthogonal even though they were computed using the coefficients published in the questionnaire’s manual. These findings are interpreted in terms of a general evaluative bias that is more or less unique to each rater, as opposed to trait information that is largely consensual.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Konstabel, Dr Kenn
• Authors: Saar, K., Aavik, T., and Konstabel, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Personality and Individual Differences
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• ISSN: 0191-8869