Abstract
This article describes a 2-session laboratory project in which students develop, conduct, and attempt to validate an interview-based personality assessment. In Session 1, students learn about effective interview procedures and then design and pilot-test an interview to assess 4 personality traits(emotionality, activity level, sociability, and impulsivity). Each student then assesses the personality of a participant using the interview along with a self-report measure that indexes the same 4 personality traits. In Session 2, students analyze the interview and questionnaire data and examine several topics concerning measurement validation, such as convergent validity, social desirability, and error. Test grades and student evaluations supported the pedagogical value of the project.
Notes
1Prior to this laboratory, students learn about the American Psychological Association ethics guidelines and also receive verbal and written(in the laboratory manual) reminders about the importance of informed consent when recruiting their participant. When we developed this laboratory project, the university did not require institutional review board approval; however, it is important to carefully consider such requirements.