Scale Overview
The Socially Desirable Response Set – SDRS-5 was developed by Ron D. Hays, Toshi Hayashi, & Anita L. Stewart (1989). It is designed to measure Socially desirable responding. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 5 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Definitely True, 2 = Mostly True, 3 = Don’t Know, 4 = Mostly False, 5 = Definitely False.
The scale includes 2 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 5 to 25. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low socially desirable response tendency: 5 – 15
- High socially desirable response tendency: 16 – 25
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 2 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.