Acquiescence Response Set: Construct or Artifact?

Summary

A series of tests given to 94 adult white men were scored for acquiescence response set, personality traits, and cognitive functions. A factor analysis of the data indicated that the response set scales do not result from a single general underlying trait. No evidence was found to suggest a relationship between acquiescence response set and the cognitive functions represented in intellectual abilities, field dependency, or in behavioral rigidity. The acquiescence response set measures were judged to be measuring something with reliable consistency and that this something is other than a set to agree to statements or an artifact of the testing method.