A Comparative Evaluation of Four Response Formats in Personality Ratings

Abstract

Four basic response formats that are most frequently used in personality ratings were distinguished in terms of two psychometric criteria—the neutral response option and hierarchical gradients on the underlying measurement continuum. Theoretical discussions of their relative superiorities were substantiated by a comparative evaluation of empirical personality ratings under different formats for the same PRF scale items. Results indicated the existence of three types of inter-format relationships for all personality dimensions measured. In addition, the free-choice discriminating format was found to be the most appropriate for future personality and trait attribution research. Finally, implications were made concerning the validity and utility of various measurement instruments using different response formats.