Response processes as a source of validity evidence in self-report measures : theoretical and methodological implications

Response processes have been recognized as a primary source of validity evidence in testing by the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 2014) and others (Messick, 1989, 1995, 2000; Embretson, 1983, 2010). In spite of this role and scholarly support for this type of research (Bornstein, 2011; Borsboom, Mellenbergh & van Heerden, 2004; Zumbo, 2009), very few empirical studies have examined response processes as a source of validity evidence, and the theoretical and methodological grounding of this type of research has also been lacking (Padilla & Benez, 2014; Zumbo & Shear, 2011). In response to these limitations in response processes research, this dissertation aimed to: (a) develop process focused theoretical models and coding systems for the response processes that underlie responding to self-report items, (b) apply the models to a well-known self-report measure of self-esteem (i.e., the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; Rosenberg, 1965), (c) examine the theoretical and methodological implications of this investigation, and (d) propose several theoretical and methodological future directions in response processes research such as: expanding the scope of this research beyond individual cognitive processes towards socially situated response processes, exploring complementary theoretical and methodological foundations, and redefining the roles of response processes in validity research. The findings of this dissertation will contribute to: (a) elaborating a process focused theoretical model of response processes associated with responding to self-report items, (b) adding to the empirical research data based on response processes, (c) enlarging the substantive validity basis of the self-esteem construct using a response processes method, and (d) proposing future theoretical and methodological directions in this area.Education, Faculty ofEducational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department ofGraduat