Chapter 10.7, Problem 1SQ-P397

Summary Introduction

Correct answer:

The correct answer in this case is option (B), discriminates between different groups.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

An empirically keyed test asks the same questions to two different groups that are known to be different. The test items are not related to what the researchers are studying. Therefore, by doing this, personality researchers can overcome the problem of social desirability in self-report testing.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (A) refers to empirically keyed tests having right or wrong answers. By nature, self-report tests have no right or wrong answers. These tests simply describe a person’s preferences. So, option (A) is incorrect.

Option (C) refers to empirically keyed tests having face validity. Empirically keyed tests do not relate to the research question on the surface, so they don’t have face validity. So, option (C) is incorrect.

Option (D) refers to empirically keyed tests having both easy and difficult questions. Since self-report tests are merely asking respondents to share details about themselves, all questions should be fairly simple to answer. So, option (D) is incorrect.

Therefore, the options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Personality researchers use empirically keyed tests to help distinguish between two groups that are known to be different. Using this technique helps them overcome the issue of social desirability that occurs with self-report tests.