Specification of scales in biodata form development: Rational vs. empirical and global vs. specific

Although empirical keying has been the most popular scoring strategy with b iodata, researchers have increasingly argued that rational approaches are b etter for advancing theory. Higher validities and less faking with empirica l keys, however, have made many reluctant to abandon them. Research in the personality field provided support for the notion that many rational biodat a scales may be multi-faceted. Development of more specific scales was sugg ested as a technique for creating rational scales with validities that more closely approximate that of empirical keys. Three different strategies (ra tional, internal, and external/ empirical) were used in the scoring of a bi odata inventory for use with mechanical equipment franchise owners. The rat ional and internal approaches were investigated within two samples and at t wo levels - very specific constructs and global constructs. In addition, tw o types of criteria were used, including an objective measure of sales and supervisory performance ratings. The specific rational scales were as predi ctive as the empirical item key. Strategies for developing and scoring a bi odata form using a rational approach are discussed.