Abstract
Demand characteristics and reactivity can jeoparadize the validity of adjective checklists. The present studies test a methodology for distïnguishing among positive, neutral, and negative states, while minimizing demand and reactivity. Results from the studies revealed that ratings of neutral words accurately discriminated among college students induced to feel happy, neutral, or sad. In addition, independent judges demonstrated that assessing mood with ratings of neutral words weakens the link between scale items and to-be-measured mood state, thus minimizing potential demand and reactivity. Ratings of neutral words are discussed as an alternative to adjective checklists regarding measurement of affective states.
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Kuykendall, D., Keating, J.P. & Wagaman, J. Assessing affective states: A new methodology for some old problems. Cogn Ther Res 12, 279–294 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01176190
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01176190