Additional Evidence for the Accuracy of Biographical Data: Long‐term Retest and Observer Ratings

Although the predictive validity of biographical information has been extensively documented in a variety of environments, the extent to which responses to a biodata questionnaire are accurate has not been adequately investigated. In particular, the accuracy of unverifi‐able biodata items has not been determined. Evidence of accuracy was obtained in the present study using a test‐retest design and informed external observers for verification. Responses were obtained from 237 study participants and 200 observers. Factor and item re‐test correlations were obtained for subject and observer data, and responses were compared using product‐moment correlations and t tests. Results provide evidence that many responses to a biodata questionnaire are accurate. Sources of inaccuracy were assessed, including the impact of social desirability, and applications of the findings to industrial uses of biodata were noted.