Question

Why might the interpretation of the Lie Scale [L] in psychological assessments be considered invalid?

A) Because the Lie Scale only measures physical symptoms, not psychological states.

B) Because the Lie Scale assesses honesty, making it difficult to interpret accurately.

C) Because individuals may have legitimate reasons for responding untruthfully, making the interpretation context-dependent.

D) Because the Lie Scale is not scientifically validated and lacks reliability.

Answer 1

The Lie Scale [L] is considered potentially invalid because it assumes that individuals answer inaccurately with an intent to 'fake good,' but this assumption is not always reliable due to context-specific reasons and the absence of a consistent scientific basis for physiological arousal as an indicator of lying.

Step-by-step explanation:

The interpretation of the Lie Scale [L] in psychological assessments may be considered invalid because individuals may have legitimate reasons for responding untruthfully, making the interpretation context-dependent (option C). This scale is meant to detect if someone is "faking good," or presenting themselves as psychologically healthier than they may actually be.

However, there are several challenges to its interpretation. Respondents may answer questions in a way that they think makes them look good or answer inaccurately due to misremembering. The validity of lie detection based on physiological arousal is questionable, and the assumption that higher arousal indicates lying lacks consistent scientific support. Furthermore, while scales can be reliable in producing consistent results, this does not guarantee validity—the accuracy of measurement in reflecting what is intended to be measured.