engleski

Everybody lies 2

The general purpose of this study was to bring contributions to the findings about the validity of using lie scales in selection situations as a measurement or indicator, to which psychologists base there decisions concerning one's abilities. Because selective situations are subject to (di)simulation, it is assumed that lie scales on personality questionnaires do not contribute to objective decision concerning psychological abilities of a candidate. A sample of 666 candidates was identified during selection procedures required for occupational health purposes. The aim was to examine whether candidates who have been diagnosed with mental disorders, which is a contraindication for driving and other activities, lie more than candidates with no diagnosis by using the EPQ (Eysenck, H.J., Eysenck, S. B.G., 1975). As was expected, candidates with no mental disorders lie equally as the candidates with diagnosed mental disorders do. In both groups (taking into account only the sample of men, N=548) significant correlations were found between Lie and Neuroticism scale. Some studies show that a significant negative correlation between the neuroticism and lie scale indicate a high motivation for (di)simulation (Levin and Montag, 1987 ; Cowles et al., 1992 ; Jackson and Francis, 1998) and that in such circumstances, the lie scale can be used as a tool to seclude (di)simulators, so as to abstract 5% of the highest results on the lie scale. However, in order to determine an appropriate threshold for exclusion of individuals it is necessary to have data on the total population as well as the participants’ age (Eysenck and Eysenck, 1994). There were some changes in the results when different types of examination on EPQ scales were taken into account. Specifically, the men with a diagnosis had a significantly higher result on the lie scale than those with no diagnosis in the group of candidates tested for an amateur driving license. Even though it is assumed that people who have been diagnosed have higher motivation for (di)simulation because of the objective reason, in selective situations ‘everybody lies’. It is questionable if it is justified using such scales as any kind of measurement psychologists use to decide if a certain candidate is suitable to drive, to work, etc.

dissimulation; mental disorders; occupational health; selection situation; socially desirable responding

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