TAPAS Forced-Choice Methodology

Question 1

What is the fundamental structure of a forced-choice item on TAPAS?

Accepted Answer

Two statements from different personality dimensions paired together, requiring a preference choice

Answer

A single statement rated on a 1-5 scale

Answer

A true/false question about behavior

Answer

A multiple-choice question with four options

Question 2

Why are the two statements in a TAPAS forced-choice pair matched on social desirability?

Accepted Answer

To prevent respondents from identifying and choosing the more socially acceptable option

Answer

To make the test more difficult

Answer

To reduce the number of items needed

Answer

Social desirability matching is not actually done in TAPAS

Question 3

What psychometric model underlies the scoring of TAPAS forced-choice items?

Accepted Answer

The Thurstonian item response theory (IRT) model for forced-choice data

Answer

Classical test theory only

Answer

Simple percentage scoring

Answer

The Rasch model exclusively

Question 4

What is 'ipsative scoring' and why was it historically a problem for forced-choice personality measures?

Accepted Answer

Ipsative scoring produces within-person relative scores that cannot be meaningfully compared across individuals

Answer

Ipsative scoring produces absolute ability levels

Answer

Ipsative scoring is the most accurate form of personality measurement

Answer

Ipsative scoring only applies to cognitive tests

Question 5

How does TAPAS overcome the ipsative scoring problem that limited earlier forced-choice instruments?

Accepted Answer

By using the Thurstonian IRT model to estimate normative (between-person comparable) scores from forced-choice data

Answer

By converting to a Likert scale

Answer

By ignoring ipsativity

Answer

By adding a separate normative section to the test

Question 6

In a TAPAS forced-choice pair, what happens when a respondent is high on both dimensions represented?

Accepted Answer

The respondent must still choose, and the IRT model accounts for this by modeling individual trait levels on both dimensions

Answer

The item is skipped

Answer

Both statements are marked as endorsed

Answer

The item is scored as incorrect