= Ascertaining the validity of individual protocols from Web-based personality inventories =

'''''Ascertaining the validity of individual protocols from Web-based personality inventories''''' ([[http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2004.09.009]]) was written by John A. Johnson (Pennsylvania State University), published in Journal of Research in Personality (Elsevier) in 2004.


== Paper Surveying ==

Validity scales, which attempt to account the uncharacteristic positivity/negativity of a respondent, are found in many personality inventories. They are not always used for reasons both theoretical and empirical.

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[R]esearch indicates that 'correcting' scores with validity scales can actually ''decrease'' the validity of the measures (Piedmont, McCrae, Riemann, & Angleitner, 2000).
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== Web Surveying ==

Compared to paper surveying, there is greater risk of
 * linguistic difficulties
 * inattentive or rushed response (due to perceived lack of accountability); common forms include...
  * random response
  * use of scales in wrong direction
  * skipping
 * repeat participation

The second can be addressed by removal from the data set. Potential tools to identify the inattentive or rushed responses are:
 * establish a maximum miss rate
 * establish a minimum length for string data
 * establish a maximum number of 'straightlined' responses

These involve assumptions about valid data, which can be guided by frequency distribution--but no silver bullet.



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