Stability ratings as classifiers of life history item retest reliability

Abstract

2 studies were conducted: (1) 26 judges rated 60 (Questionnaire A) and 52 (Questionnaire B) discretely scored items for probable fakeability and stability. Indexes were based on retest responses of 321 undergraduates over 3 mo. Validity coefficients for the fakeability and stability ratings were .53 (Questionnaire A) and .50 (Questionnaire B), and .54 (Questionnaire A) and .51 (Questionnaire B), respectively. (2) 25 judges rated 88 continuously scored items for probable response stability. Correlation with actual retest stability for 106 freshmen was .47. Little difference was found in predicting stability for discrete and continuous items. The Probable Response Stability Scale as a potential classifier variable of life history items and potential difficulties and suggestions for future research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)