Response Tendencies to Positively and Negatively Worded Items of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale With Eye-Tracking Methodology

Abstract: The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was developed as a unitary scale to assess attitudes toward the self. Previous studies have shown differences in responses and psychometric indices between the positively and negatively worded items, suggesting differential processing of responses. The current study examined differences in response behaviors toward two positively and two negatively worded items of the RSES with eye-tracking methodology and explored whether those differences were more pronounced among individuals with higher neuroticism, controlling for verbal abilities and mood. Eighty-seven university students completed a computerized version of the scale, while their responses, response time, and eye movements were recorded through the Gazepoint GP3 HD eye-tracker. In linear mixed-effects models, two negatively worded items elicited higher scores (elicited stronger disagreement) in self-esteem, and different response processes, for example, longer viewing times, than two positively worded items. Neuroticism predicted lower responses and more revisits to item statements. Eye-tracking can enhance the examination of response tendencies and the role of wording and its interaction with individual characteristics at different stages of the response process.