Validity in Psychometrics and Validity Scale in Personality Assessment
This week, you were introduced to personality tests and issues with their development and use. One particular area of debate involves the inclusion of validity scales in tests of personality. While many concerns may exist, the use of such scales appears to be increasing and they continue to be utilized and interpreted.
In your post:
Analyze how validity in psychometrics, as you explored in Week 4, is different from a validity scale in a test of personality.
Describe this difference in terms of their definitions.
Provide at least two examples of validity scales.
Cite at least one advantage and one disadvantage regarding the use of validity scales. The test authors provide several pros and cons of using validity scales in personality assessment.
Based on your readings, including preparation for this discussion, what is your position on this issue? How do you feel about using and interpreting validity scales on a measure of personality?
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Validity in Psychometrics and Validity Scale
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Validity in Psychometrics and Validity Scale
Validity in psychometrics is extent to which a test measures what it is purposed to evaluate. In contrast, a validity scale in a test of personality refers to specific items within a personality test that are used to assess the validity of the test scores, such as whether the test taker is responding in a socially desirable or consistent manner.
The level of analysis also showcases the difference between validity in psychometrics and the validity scale. Validity in psychometrics is an overall evaluation of the entire test, whereas a validity scale within a personality test is a specific aspect (Truijens et al., 2019). The validity of a personality test is assessed through multiple sources of evidence, such as construct and content validity. On the other hand, validity scales within a personality test are used to assess specific aspects of test validity, such as the extent to which the test taker responds in a socially desirable or consistent manner (Truijens et al., 2019). Thus, while validity in psychometrics is a broad concept that encompasses multiple aspects of test validity, validity scales within a personality test are more focused and targeted in their assessment of test validity.
Two examples of validity scales are the MMPI-2's (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) and Validity Scale and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory's (MCMI) Validity Scale. The MMPI-2 Validity Scale consists of items designed to assess the test taker's truthfulness and accuracy in answering the questions (Sellbom et al., 2010). This scale helps determine if the individual is providing accurate and genuine responses or attempting to pres...