Measures the tendency to respond in socially desirable ways rather than reporting genuine attitudes or behaviours. Used as a control variable in survey research to assess and correct for response bias. High scorers present themselves in an unrealistically positive light.
True/False
Sum of socially desirable responses. Short forms available (13-item, 20-item). Often included as a control variable to demonstrate divergent validity. High MCSD scores are associated with socially desirable responding on other scales.
Crowne, D.P., & Marlowe, D. (1960). A new scale of social desirability independent of psychopathology. Journal of Consulting Psychology, 24(4), 349–354.
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