Survey Methodology and Administration Flashcards

A candidate's survey profile shows scores within normal limits on all clinical scales but elevated on the 'Back F' validity scale. This pattern suggests:

Answer: The candidate may have responded randomly or carelessly in the latter portion of the survey

The Back F (Fb) scale detects random or inconsistent responding occurring specifically in the second half of lengthy inventories like the MMPI.

What is the difference between 'content validity' and 'criterion validity' in a police selection survey?

Answer: Content validity checks if items cover the full domain; criterion validity checks if scores predict a real-world outcome

Content validity ensures the survey samples the relevant trait domain, while criterion validity demonstrates that scores predict meaningful job-related outcomes like performance ratings.

An agency requires candidates to complete the survey on a computer rather than paper. Which factor is MOST important to control for when switching administration modes?

Answer: Ensuring psychometric equivalence between paper and computer versions

Mode equivalence research must confirm that scores from computer-based administration are statistically comparable to paper norms before applying existing cutoffs.

In the context of the SSPO, what does the 'Sigma' in the exam name most directly reference?

Answer: A Greek letter used to brand the test publisher's product line

Sigma Assessment Systems is the publisher of the SSPO; 'Sigma' in the exam name refers to the company brand, not a statistical term in context.

When administering a survey to a large group of police applicants simultaneously, what practice BEST protects the confidentiality of individual responses?

Answer: Assigning anonymous ID numbers and storing data separately from identifying information

Using anonymous IDs and separating identifying data from responses prevents administrators from matching individual scores to named candidates without authorization.

A survey scale has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.52. What does this indicate about the scale?

Answer: The items in the scale do not consistently measure the same construct

An alpha of 0.52 is below the commonly accepted threshold of 0.70, indicating the scale's items are not sufficiently interrelated to measure a single coherent construct.

Which of the following survey administration practices would MOST likely inflate scores on a desirability-sensitive scale?

Answer: Informing candidates that their supervisor will review individual responses

When candidates believe their supervisor will see their individual answers, they are more likely to respond in ways they believe are socially desirable, inflating favorable scale scores.