Though forced, still valid: Psychometric equivalence of forced-choice and single-statement measures

Forced choice (FC) measures are gaining popularity as an alternative assessment format to single statement (SS) measures due to their potential in reducing the impact of various response styles and faking. However, a fundamental question remains to be answered: do FC and SS instruments measure the same underlying constructs? In addition, FC measures are theorized to be more cognitively challenging, so how would this feature influence respondents’ reactions to FC measures compared to SS? Two studies were designed to answer these questions. Study 1 results showed that FC measures scored by the Multi-unidimensional Pairwise Preference Model (MUPP) and SS measures scored with an ideal point model yielded similar factor structures and almost identical criterion-related validity across 12 criteria. Both formats also had similar pattern of marginal reliabilities and test-retest reliabilities. Study 1 findings were replicated in Study 2. In addition, we found strong evidence for convergent validity between the two formats. Though the FC format was perceived to be more difficult, respondents showed no differential preference and expressed similar level of emotional and cognitive reactions to the two formats