The nature of faking: A homogeneous and predictable construct?

• DOI: 10.1037/pas0000619
• Publication Date: 2019-03-14T17:11:43Z
• Authors: Doreen Bensch; Ulrike Maaß; Samuel Greiff; Kai Tobias Horstmann; Matthias Ziegler
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Deception; Personality Inventory; 05 social sciences; Middle Aged; Models, Psychological; Personality Assessment; Personality Disorders; Young Adult; Social Desirability; Humans; Female; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; Personality

Faking remains an unsolved problem in high-stakes personality assessment. It is important that the evaluation of so-called faking-detection scales differs between psychological disciplines. One reasons for this might be unclear nature actual faking behavior. In present study, we aimed to apply a modeling technique introduced by Ziegler, Maaß, Griffith, and Gammon (2015) allows capturing interindividual differences behavior as latent variable. We used approach isolate variance because experimentally induced good bad Big Five, predicted with variety theoretically relevant constructs (socially desirable responding, overclaiming, dark triad traits). tested sample (n = 233) divided 2 experimental conditions n 167 persons control condition twice (honest/faking honest/honest). The application all 5 domains was successful. second step, factor scores variables derived from these prior analyses were homogeneity within each condition. Results showed whereas neither homogeneous (i.e., vs. bad), nor it across conditions. Thus, complex process responsive specific situational demands. final representing regressed onto other measures. results indicated common shared some social desirability faking. discuss theoretical practical implications findings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, rights reserved).