Action-State Orientation (ASO)

Kuhl, J., & Beckmann, J. (1994). Volition and Personality: Action Versus State Orientation. Seattle: Hogrefe & Huber Publishers.
The ASO or Action Control Scale (ACS) is available for research purposes. For all other uses (individual assessment, counseling etc.) please see www.impart.de.
The most commonly used version, ACS-24, includes sub-scales AOF and AOD: Action Control Scale (ACS-24).doc
The full version, ACS-90, includes sub-scales AOF, AOD, and AOP: Action Control Scale (ACS-90).doc



 Table of Contents

Description

History of Use

References

Description:

Purpose
The ASO/ACS was designed to distinguish between an action and a state orientation.
Questions
36 situations in which subjects are asked to chose the answer that best describes them
Sub-scales
3 sub-scales:
  • Action orientation subsequent to failure vs. preoccupation (AOF)
  • Prospective and decision-related action orientation vs. hesitation (AOD)
  • Action orientation during (successful) performance of activities (intrinsic orientation) vs. volatility (AOP)
    • AOP is less pivotally relevant to PSI theory than AOF and AOD, but found to be predictive of intrinsic motivation, sports performance and other behaviors.
Domain

Psychometrics

Sample items
  • When I have lost something that is very valuable to me and I can't find it anywhere: (AOF)
    • A. I have a hard time concentrating on something else.
    • B. I put it out of my mind after a little while.
  • When I know I must finish something soon: (AOD)
    • A. I have to push myself to get started.
    • B. I find it easy to get it done and over with.
  • When I have learned a new and interesting game: (AOP)
    • A. I quickly get tired of it and do something else.
    • B. I can really get into it for a long time.

References:

Scale:
Kuhl, J., & Beckmann, J. (1994). Volition and Personality: Action Versus State Orientation. Seattle: Hogrefe & Huber Publishers.
Selected Uses:
  • Scholer, A. A. et al. (2010). When Risk Seeking Becomes a Motivational Necessity. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 99(2), 215-231. doi: 10.1037/a0019715

*