The Use of the Runs Test for Assessing Response Validity in Computer Scored Inventories

Abstract

The runs test for random sequences of responding is proposed for application in long inventories with dichotomous items as an index of stereotyped responding. This index is useful for detecting whether the client shifts between response alternatives more or less frequently than would be expected by chance. If the items in the inventory are not counterbalanced, the index can be individually normed for particular applications.