The Social Desirability Scale

The Social Desirability Scale is a questionnaire used to assess whether people tend to answer questions in a way that makes them look good or avoid appearing unfavorable. It helps identify if responses are influenced by the desire to be viewed positively rather than being completely honest. By measuring this tendency, researchers can better interpret the accuracy of self-reported information on various topics, such as behaviors or attitudes. In essence, it helps distinguish genuine responses from those that are influenced by the person's wish to conform to social norms or appear socially acceptable.