The Effect of Response Format on Reliability Estimates for Tacit Knowledge Scales
Abstract
Most aptitude scales adopt a Forced Choice response format in which answers are scored as either correct or incorrect. Such a scoring procedure is consistent with the nature of the knowledge underlying these aptitude scales because the relevant knowledge domains can usually be used to either support or contradict a specific supposition. Assessing performance with tacit knowledge scales that lack an academic knowledge base often requires the opinions of subject matter experts and responses cannot always be unambiguously scored. Data indicate that an improvement in the reliability of a Tacit Knowledge Scale could be realized by substituting a Likert response format in place of a traditional Forced Choice format; this finding demonstrates the power of the Likert response format to measure individual differences in an uncertain knowledge domain. This research was conducted in support of the development and validation of a Social Intelligence scale.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA283547
Entities
People
- Peter J. Legree
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences