Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Reader/Committee Chair

Shultz, Kenneth

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to explore intentions of faking during personality measurements and determine the best option to address intentions of faking during high stakes situations when comparing Likert-Scale items with Multidimensional Forced Choice (MFC) measures. Participants (N=618) participated in the study which consisted of answering items on impression management and self-deceptive enhancement. Afterward, participants were placed randomly in an “answer honestly group” or “answer as if you are applying to your dream job” to fill out a Big 5 personality measurement. Findings from the study indicated that the personality traits of conscientiousness and neuroticism were positively correlated with intentions of faking. When comparing which personality trait was exaggerated between both the focus and control groups, the findings indicated that conscientiousness and agreeableness were scored higher among the “answer as if you are applying to your dream job” group. There were differences between MFC measures and Likert-scale items based on Cohen’s d, but there wasn’t substantial differences. Overall, the findings from this study indicated that their personality traits such as conscientiousness and neuroticism are associated with intentions of faking and that individuals may exaggerate in certain personality traits when placed on high stake situations.

Download

  Contact Author

Share

COinS