Implications of the syntheses on definition, theory, and methods conducted by the Response Shift – in Sync Working Group

Purpose: Our aim is to advance response shift research by explicating the implications of published syntheses by the Response Shift – in Sync Working Group in an integrative way and suggesting ways for improving the quality of future response shift studies. Methods: Members of the Working Group further discussed the syntheses of the literature on definitions, theoretical underpinnings, operationalizations, and response shift methods. They outlined areas in need of further explication and refinement, and delineated additional implications for future research. Results: First, the proposed response shift definition was further specified and its implications for the interpretation of results explicated in relation to former, published definitions. Second, the proposed theoretical model was further explained in relation to previous theoretical models and its implications for formulating research objectives highlighted. Third, ways to explore alternative explanations per response shift method and their implications for response shift detection and explanation were delineated. The implications of the diversity of the response shift methods for response shift research were presented. Fourth, the implications of the need to enhance the quality and reporting of the response shift studies for future research were sketched. Conclusion: With our work, we intend to contribute to a common language regarding response shift definitions, theory, and methods. By elucidating some of the major implications of earlier work, we hope to advance response shift research.