Vicissitudes of Measurement: Depression Tests, a Case in Point

While it has been widely speculated that the mensuration process may have reactive features, little systematic research has examined its effects on behavior. Empirical findings appear to be in dispute. In studies reported in the present paper, the effects of the measurement of depression on subsequent behaviors were examined in order to help clarify this issue. Specifically, subjects completed a self-report depression inventory prior to performing a chance-determined task. The results showed that the measurement of depression was associated with both improved and degraded performance, depending upon the level of depression measured. These findings appear to support the notion that the refutation (nonendorsement) of depression-related statements alters motivation and performance. The methodological implications of these results are discussed.