Ordering Items by Endorsement Value and its Effect Upon Test Validity

Abstract

This study attempted to improve test validity by presenting positively keyed items from a single trait in descending order of endorsement and encouraging subjects to respond in terms of the resulting Guttman scale. This approach should explicate trait content and available scale points, thus increasing inter-and intra-subject consistency in responding. In general, the procedure produced increases in internal consistency, and in construct and concurrent validity. Increases in validity were contingent upon increases in internal consistency. Possible time-saving advantages of the ordering procedure are noted.