Maximization Scale short (MS-short)

Nenkov, G. Y., Morrin, M., Ward, A., Schwartz, B., & Hulland, J. (2008). A short form of the Maximization Scale: Factor structure, reliability and validity studies. Judgment and Decision Making, 3(5), 371-388.
The measure: Nenkov et al (2008) Brief Maximization Scale.doc
See also Schwartz et al.'s (2002) original Maximization Scale and Diab et al.'s (2008) Maximizing Tendency Scale.


 Table of Contents

Description

History of Use

References

Description:

Purpose
The MS-short was designed to assess how individuals approach decision situations. Specifically, it distinguishes between two approaches:
  • Maximizing is the tendency to optimize when making decisions. It is characterized by increased information-seeking and social comparison.
  • Satisficing is the tendency to use shortcuts when making decisions and to settle for a "good-enough" option that passes a "threshold of acceptability."
It is a shortened form of Schwartz et al.'s (2002) original Maximization Scale.
Questions
6 items using 7-point ratings (1 = completely disagree to 7 = completely agree)
Sub-scales
3 sub-scales, each with 2 items:
  • High Standards
  • Alternative Search
  • Decision Difficulty
Domain

Psychometrics

Sample items
  • I never settle for second best. (High Standards)
  • No matter how satisfied I am with my job, it's only right for me to be on the lookout for better opportunities. (Alternative Search)
  • I often find it difficult to shop for a gift for a friend. (Decision Difficulty)

History of Use:

Scale Development and Validation:

Scale development and validation. The MS-short correlates with:
  • Need for Cognition (short version from Wood & Swait, 2002): r = .33, p < .1
  • Regret (Regret Scale; Schwartz et al., 2002): r = .38, p < .05
  • Perfectionism (Self-Oriented Perfectionism; Hewitt & Flett, 1990): r = .34, p < .05
  • Satisfaction with life (Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS); Diener et al., 1985): r = -.27, p < .05
  • Happiness (Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS); Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1997): r = -.23, p < .1
  • Optimism (Scheier et al, 1994): r = -.20, p < .1
  • Depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D); Cole et al., 2004): r = .22, p < .1
The authors also report the correlations between the 3 sub-scales and the various measures mentioned above.
Nenkov et al. (2008)

References:

Scale:
  • Schwartz, B., Ward, A., Monterosso, J., Lyubomirsky, S., White, K., & Lehman, D. R. (2002). Maximizing versus satisficing: Happiness is a matter of choice. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(5), 1178-1197. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.83.5.1178
Uses:
  • Polman, E. (2010). "Why Are Maximizers Less Happy Than Satisficers? Because They Maximize Positive and Negative Outcomes." Journal of Behavioral Decision Making 23(2): 179-190. doi:10.1002/bdm.647
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