Faking behavior and gender differences on a new personality research instrument.

Faking behavior was studied by comparing the personality profiles of 161 job applicants (motivated to be hired) with those of a control group of 73 graduate and undergraduate business students (motivated to obtain personal information for their own enlightenment). 44% of the Ss were female. Both groups were instructed to describe themselves honestly while completing the Self-Perception Test. Applicants did "fake good," scoring significantly higher on 10 of 11 scales; variance was significantly lower among applicants on 7 scales. Gender differences, consistent with cultural stereotypes, occurred on 5 scales. Overall profile shapes were virtually identical for student and applicant groups, suggesting that faking may not have dramatically altered the essence of the personality constructs. The scales of the test were found to have high reliability. Scale independence is discussed in relation to the 5-factor model of personality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)