Using Item Response Theory to Develop Measures of Acquisitive and Protective Self-Monitoring From the Original Self-Monitoring Scale. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilmot, Michael P.; Kostal, Jack W.; Stillwell, David; Kosinski, Michal
• Is Part Of: Assessment. Volume 24:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 677
• Page End: 691
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: self-monitoring -- acquisitive and protective self-monitoring -- item response theory -- Five-Factor Model -- metatraits -- plasticity and stability; Psychological tests -- Periodicals; Psychodiagnostics -- Periodicals; Personality tests -- Periodicals; 150.287
• DOI: 10.1177/1073191115615213
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-1911

Abstract

For the past 40 years, the conventional univariate model of self-monitoring has reigned as the dominant interpretative paradigm in the literature. However, recent findings associated with an alternative bivariate model challenge the conventional paradigm. In this study, item response theory is used to develop measures of the bivariate model of acquisitive and protective self-monitoring using original Self-Monitoring Scale (SMS) items, and data from two large, nonstudent samples ( N s = 13, 563 and 709). Results indicate that the new acquisitive (six-item) and protective (seven-item) self-monitoring scales are reliable, unbiased in terms of gender and age, and demonstrate theoretically consistent relations to measures of personality traits and cognitive ability. Additionally, by virtue of using original SMS items, previously collected responses can be reanalyzed in accordance with the alternative bivariate model. Recommendations for the reanalysis of archival SMS data, as well as directions for future research, are provided.