Computerized and Paper-and-Pencil Versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale: A Comparison of Psychometric Features and Respondent Preferences

Abstract

Although the use of computerized assessment tools in educational and psychological settings has increased dramatically in recent years, limited information is available about the properties of computerized self-concept measures. The authors evaluated the characteristics of computerized and paper-and-pencil versions of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES)—one of the most widely used self-concept measures in educational and psychological research. Results showed that administration mode (computerized versus paper and pencil) had little effect on the psychometric properties of the SES (i.e., score magnitude, variability, and factor structure) but that the computerized version took longer and was preferred by examinees. With the exception of administration time, these results support the use of the computerized SES and its comparability to the paper-and-pencil version.

Personality research on the Internet: A comparison of Web-based and traditional instruments in take-home and in-class settings

“…Consistent with previous studies (Hallfors et al, 2000;Rosenfeld et al, 1993;Stanton, 1998;Vispoel, 2000;Vispoel et al, 2001) no significant differences in scores were found between the paper-and-pencil and the computerized versions. The participants who completed the survey on the Web received scores comparable to those of the participants who completed the paper-and-pencil surveys.…”

Chronic Stress and Its Consequences on Subsequent Academic Achievement among Adolescents

“…To measure global self-esteem, Rosenberg's self-esteem scale (RSE-scale) was utilized at time 1 (Rosenberg, 1972;Vispoel, Boo, & Bleiler, 2001). Global self-assessment was measured using 10 generally formulated items (graded 1-4) (e.g., Sometimes I feel rather worthless; There is nothing I could be proud of; In general, I am quite content with myself).…”

Does Internet-Based Survey Have More Stable and Unbiased Results than Paper-and-Pencil Survey?

“…The research evidences supports H1. Previous findings also had empirical supports that two survey methods did not have marked differences in normal distributions, reliability and validity for the measures of transformation leadership [28], and self-esteem scale [44]. However, some research found differences between proctored internet-based and paper-and-pencil survey in selection contexts; nearly all such differences favor the internet-based survey, even though the items were identical [45].…”