Suppose That a Researcher Used an Empirical Test Construction Strategy

question 9

Multiple Choice

Suppose that a researcher used an empirical test construction strategy to develop a scale measuring the trait of Nonconformity. The researcher had administered some personality inventory items to a small group of homeowners in a city, and then chose the items that were most strongly related to ratings (made by her assistants) of how unusual or unconventional was the appearance of each homeowner’s house and yard. Which of the following might be a problem associated with the use of this method of test construction as described above?

• A) These items might not be related to this indicator of Nonconformity in another group of homeowners.
• B) These items might not be related to other indicators of Nonconformity (e.g., unusual style of clothing) in this same group of homeowners.
• C) Both A and B
• D) Neither A nor B
• E) It depends completely on the time of year in which the ratings are made.

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Definitions:

Frequency

In physics, it refers to the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit time, often used in the context of waves such as sound or light.

Amplitude

In physics, amplitude refers to the maximum extent of a vibration or oscillation, measured from the position of equilibrium.

Accommodation

(1) In developmental psychology, adapting our current understandings (schemas) to incorporate new information. (2) In sensation and perception, the process by which the eye’s lens changes shape to focus near or far objects on the retina.

Adjustable Opening

A feature or mechanism that allows the size of an opening to be modified or adjusted as needed.