Sometimes test makers reverse the direction of the test items. That is, whereas sometimes agreeing with an item indicates a high score on the trait being measured, sometimes disagreeing with the item indicates a high score. Test makers do this to control for which potential problem?
A) Faking
B) Carelessness and sabotage
C) Social desirability
D) Acquiescence response

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reversing the direction of test items controls for acquiescence response bias, which is the tendency for some people to agree with all or most of the items on a test regardless of their true beliefs or attitudes. By reversing the direction of some items, test makers can identify individuals who may be responding in a socially desirable way rather than honestly.

Sometimes Test Makers Reverse the Direction of the Test Items