The relationship of scale reliability and validity to respondent inconsistency

The relationship of reliability and validity estimates for personality scales to respondent inconsistency measured on a separate scale was investigated. Scale reliabilities were larger when estimated using the most consistent respondents. Validity of conscientiousness as a predictor of GPA was higher in groups composed of more consistent respondents. PRESS PARAGRAPH Respondent inconsistency has recently been identified as a characteristic to be considered when analyzing personality questionnaires. This study investigated the relationship of scale reliability and scale validity to respondent inconsistency. It was found that reliability estimates were higher for respondents who were most consistent in their responses to items within a dimension. Moreover, validity of conscientiousness as a predictor of GPA was higher among the more consistent respondents. Implications for selection and test construction are discussed.