“Faking Good” as a Problem in Comparative Studies of Heroin Addicts

Abstract

The tendency for members of deviant groups to answer social attitude scales in a socially desirable direction was evaluated using a group of heroin addicts. Heroin addicts were first compared with a standard comparison group. Three groups were then formed: (1) a stress group, which was required to complete the forms, (2) a reward group, which was given cigarettes for completing the forms, and (3) a volunteer group, which was simply requested to complete the forms. The groups responded similarly on 4 of 7 factors but showed significant differences on 3 factors. The volunteer group responded in the direction of high social desirability. As a group, the addicts did not differ markedly from the standard comparison group. It was concluded that deviant groups might give more truthful responses to social attitude scales if they are told to complete them as part of the program in which they may be taking part.