Response Bias in the Semantic Differential*

Two studies are reported which demonstrate that the frequency of checking extreme positions on the semantic differential (response bias) is related to severity of psychiatric illness insofar as the frequency is higher for psychotic patients than for neurotic patients; and that response bias is a reliable person characteristic. The findings are considered as further evidence against Osgood, Suci & Tannenbaum's (1957) view that psychiatric groups are not characterized by dichotomous judgments.