Tests of an Alternative Explanation of Data Supporting the R Scale of the MMPI as a Measure of Acquiescence

Abstract

An alternative hypothesis explaining the greater proportion of True responses given by Ss with low scores on the R scale of the MMPI when compared with Ss with high scores on the R scale was not supported in two experiments. The results supported the original hypothesis of Edwards and Abbott that the R scale is measuring in some degree the tendency to respond True to personality items and trait adjectives without regard to the substantive content of these items.