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Extreme Response Style in Correlational Research (Extreme Response Style (Skrajny Styl Odpowiadania) w badaniach korelacyjnych)

Author

Listed:
  • Katarzyna Kinga Kowalczyk

    (Department of Managerial Psychology and Sociology, University of Warsaw)

  • Agnieszka Mulak

    (Institute of Social Studies, University of Warsaw)

  • Grzegorz Krol

    (Department of Managerial Psychology and Sociology, University of Warsaw)

Abstract

Extreme Response Style, defined as the tendency to consistently use (or avoid) the extreme ends of response scales in questionnaires with a multiple response category format (Clark, 2000), is one of the most studied response styles. The reason for this is its potential to distort survey results, especially in cross-cultural research (Cheung & Rensvold, 2000). Furthermore, the relationships between ERS and most frequently analyzed socio-demographic variables (such as gender, age, education) are inconclusive. We replicated a number of well-established effects, using data from the World Value Survey, and expanded these analyses by including an ERS index, to determine its possible effect on the original results. We found no significant effects of ERS in any of the replicated studies, as long as the ERS index is uncorrelated with the dependent variable. We followed with a theoretical model and a recount of simulation results in an attempt to define boundaries for the phenomenon of ERS significantly affecting research conclusions. We argue that even for interval-level correlation measures, e.g. as used in the ordinary least squares regression analysis, the effect on real data is negligible.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarzyna Kinga Kowalczyk & Agnieszka Mulak & Grzegorz Krol, 2016. "Extreme Response Style in Correlational Research (Extreme Response Style (Skrajny Styl Odpowiadania) w badaniach korelacyjnych)," Problemy Zarzadzania, University of Warsaw, Faculty of Management, vol. 14(60), pages 61-82.
    • Handle: RePEc:sgm:pzwzuw:v:14:i:60:y:2016:p:61-82
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alain De Beuckelaer & Bert Weijters & Anouk Rutten, 2010. "Using ad hoc measures for response styles: a cautionary note," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 44(4), pages 761-775, June.
    2. Natalia Kieruj & Guy Moors, 2013. "Response style behavior: question format dependent or personal style?," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 47(1), pages 193-211, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    extreme response style; response style; survey research;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General

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