Maximization Scale (MS)

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

The measure: Schwartz et al (2002) Maximization Scale.doc
See also Nenkov et al.'s (2008) Maximization Scale - short and Diab et al.'s (2008) Maximizing Tendency Scale.

	Table of Contents
	Description
	History of Use
	References

Description:

Purpose		The MS 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." Nenkov et al. (2008) developed a shortened Maximization Scale .
Questions		13 items using 7-point ratings (1 = completely disagree to 7 = completely agree)
Sub-scales		3 sub-scales: 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:

References:

Scale:

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.

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:

Dar-Nimrod, I., Rawn, C. D., Lehman, D. R.,& Schwartz, B. (2009 ). The Maximization Paradox: The costs of seeking alternatives. Personality and Individual Differences, 46 (5-6), 631-635. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2009.01.007

Diab, D. L., Gillespie, M. A., & Highhouse, S. (2008). Are maximizers really unhappy? The measurement of maximizing tendency. Judgment and Decision Making, 3(5), 364-370. (See Maximizing Tendency Scale)

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. (See Maximization Scale - short form)

Parker, A. M., de Bruin, W. B., & Fischhoff, B. (2007). Maximizers versus satisficers: Decision-making styles, competence, and outcomes. Judgment and Decision Making, 2(6), 342-350. (Also uses Adult - Decision Making Competence, Constructive Thinking Inventory, Decision Outcome Inventory, and General Decision Making Style.)

Spunt, R. P., Rassin, E., & Epstein, L. M. (2009). Aversive and avoidant indecisiveness: Roles for regret proneness, maximization, and BIS/BAS sensitivities. Personality and Individual Differences, 47(4), 256-261. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2009.03.009

Tanius, B. E., S. Wood, et al. (2009). "Aging and choice: Applications to Medicare Part D." Judgment and Decision Making 4(1): 92-101. (Also uses Numeracy III)