PYC4804
2021 ASSIGNMENT 01 ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS
Arishka Maharaj
, ITEM 1
Which of the following statements are TRUE or FALSE?
‘It is possible to plan one’s daily activities despite changing circumstances.’
‘It is not possible to plan one’s daily activities because circumstances change.’
Agree Disagree
ANSWER
Item formulation:
Rate 4- The item is ambiguous as it asks the respondent to select which is true or false, but it provides
options reflecting “agree and disagree”. For this reason, the item is ambiguous. The item does not make
use of psychological jargon, it is not leading, not minimalist or socially desirable.
Grounded in theory (look at justification in your tut letter):
Rate 5- The theory the item is based on is correct, Rotter’s theory on locus of control. The item is
implemented correctly as it is correct to state that someone with an internal locus of control displays self
control over their circumstances and outcomes relative to those who are external locus of control driven
(are unable to display self control over their outcomes and circumstances). The item is operating correctly
as it correctly mentions that the item seeks to identify between two different types of people, those with an
internal locus of control and those with an external locus of control. Since the explanations and
identification is correct, the sub criterion is met.
Practical use:
Rate 1- Ambiguous items CANNOT be easy to answer to, Therefore the first criterion for practical use is
unmet. The level of ambiguity adds to confusion as to how to respond by questioning which box means
what. We do not bother looking at the rest of the practical use criterion once we know a rating of 1 is
required. Arishka Maharaj
2021 ASSIGNMENT 01 ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATIONS
Arishka Maharaj
, ITEM 1
Which of the following statements are TRUE or FALSE?
‘It is possible to plan one’s daily activities despite changing circumstances.’
‘It is not possible to plan one’s daily activities because circumstances change.’
Agree Disagree
ANSWER
Item formulation:
Rate 4- The item is ambiguous as it asks the respondent to select which is true or false, but it provides
options reflecting “agree and disagree”. For this reason, the item is ambiguous. The item does not make
use of psychological jargon, it is not leading, not minimalist or socially desirable.
Grounded in theory (look at justification in your tut letter):
Rate 5- The theory the item is based on is correct, Rotter’s theory on locus of control. The item is
implemented correctly as it is correct to state that someone with an internal locus of control displays self
control over their circumstances and outcomes relative to those who are external locus of control driven
(are unable to display self control over their outcomes and circumstances). The item is operating correctly
as it correctly mentions that the item seeks to identify between two different types of people, those with an
internal locus of control and those with an external locus of control. Since the explanations and
identification is correct, the sub criterion is met.
Practical use:
Rate 1- Ambiguous items CANNOT be easy to answer to, Therefore the first criterion for practical use is
unmet. The level of ambiguity adds to confusion as to how to respond by questioning which box means
what. We do not bother looking at the rest of the practical use criterion once we know a rating of 1 is
required. Arishka Maharaj
