Edwards Social Desirability Scale – ESD
Measures the tendency to give socially desirable responses in self-description.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Edwards Social Desirability Scale – ESD was developed by Allen L. Edwards (1957). It is designed to measure Social Desirability. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 4 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a dichotomous True/False format.
The scale includes 2 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 0 to 39. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Social Desirability Responding: 0 – 20
- Average Social Desirability Responding: 21 – 34
- High Social Desirability Responding: 35 – 39
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.83-0.87.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.