Note on Emotionality of Item Wording as a Variable in a Personality Scale

Abstract

Three forms of a personality scale were constructed with each form differing in its degree of rated emotionality of wording. The items in the three forms were randomized, combined, and administered to 77 college Ss. The findings indicated that although the variances, internal consistencies, and validities were not affected by emotionality of item wording, the mean endorsement scores of the forms did vary inversely with the forms' level of emotional wording.