Social Desirability Effects in the Epps

Abstract
The EPPS and a true-false version (TF-EPPS) were compared on three S dimensions: sex (males and females), age-education (college students and adults), SD (high and low). The SD content of both tests is prominent, although it is much greater in the TF-EPPS. However, SD is not important for differential functioning of Ss, since profile differences between high and low SD Ss are smaller than between males and females or college students and adults The matching format of the EPPS produces a slight reduction in differential SD effect and an increased sensitivity to S variables other than SD. A potential, subtle, SD mechanism is identified by which Ss may respond differentially. Implications for ipsative and normative measurement and evaluation are discussed.