LAUSR

Abstract Better understanding respondents' cognitions as they respond to situational judgment test (SJT) items and isolating which elements of knowledge they measure may allow psychologists to develop more predictive SJT items with greater ease. Consequently, we present a theoretical framework outlining the thought processes individuals engage in as they respond to SJT items. We review interactionist theories explaining how these models have shaped the understanding of how personality traits affect behavior and discuss the recent scholarly debate regarding the role of the situation in SJTs. We then describe our proposed tripartite model of the psychological processes test takers may engage in as they respond to SJT items. Finally, we conclude by discussing directions for future research and potential avenues for expanding the proposed model.