Date of Award

7-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Richard L. Griffith

Abstract

Applicant faking behavior (AFB) on personality measures has been a long-standing challenge for both researchers and practitioners. Applicant faking behavior is widely defined as a deceptive act that is intended to create a favorable impression (Goffin & Boyd, 2009). The research in this area has evolved with heightened focus on bolstering its theoretical foundation and establishing a consistent and effective operationalization of AFB. This research utilizes archival data from a within-subject design with a sample of job applicants; a procedure that has been recognized as the “gold standard” of the AFB literature (Ryan & Boyce, 2006). Structural Equation Modelling resulted in partial support for the hypothesized relationships and the adoption of The Composite Model of the Attitude-Behavior Relation (Eagly and Chaiken, 1993) for explaining AFB. The results of this study provided valuable insights into the dynamics between potential antecedents of applicant faking behavior. Three primary conclusions for this study include: (1) Habit of Deception, as currently measured, is not a viable direct or indirect antecedent of AFB, (2) in addition to Attitude toward AFB, Attitude toward Personality Measures should be included in the AFB story, and (3) Idealistic Ethical Position, as many previously theorized, is a significant predictor of Intention to Fake. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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