The aim of the study was to test the model of personality test item response dissimulation proposed by Holden and associates (1992). The model explains the processes beyond the differences in item response latencies of honest respondents and respondents who fake their responses. The basic assumptions of the model are that, while responding on a personality questionnaire, participants compare test items with their cognitive schema and that there is an interaction between the schema and social desirability of a response. This interaction determines item response latency and has an effect on within-individual and between-individuals level. The study was conducted in two motivational conditions: honest responding (N = 66) and “fake good” responding (N = 56). In both situations, an on-line version of the IPIP-100 personality questionnaire for the measurement of five broad personality factors and two social desirability scales of self-deception and impression management were used. Out of seven scales used, assumptions of the model on within-individual level were confirmed for two scales (extraversion and impression management scales) and on between-individuals level for one scale (impression management scale). The results partially confirm the model of personality test item response dissimulation and indicate a need for further study.

social desirable responding, personality questionnaires, cognitive schema, item response latency