Personality inventory faking: A four-dimensional simulation of dissimulation

This research explored the multi-dimensionality of faking. Undergraduates (N = 238) responding to a personality inventory were randomly assigned to answer honestly, positively, or negatively for one of four occupations. Discriminant function analysis revealed four orthogonal dimensions of faking: personal effectiveness, sociability, bold innovation, and open disclosure. All faking dimensions related significantly to observed validity indices. Implications for the structure and detection of faking are discussed.