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An Examination of the Criterion-Related Validity of Four Maximizing Tendency Scales: Which Scale is the "Best?"

Tolle, Kathryn
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1458418698

Abstract Details

2017, Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), Xavier University, Psychology.
Since the proposal of the construct of maximizing tendency, a stable individual difference in the way one approaches decisions, there has been substantial debate in the literature regarding the most appropriate way to measure it. Multiple scales have been developed that purportedly assess maximizing tendency, including the Maximizing Scale (MS; Schwartz et al., 2002), the Maximizing Tendency Scale (MTS; Diab et al., 2008), the Maximization Inventory (MI; Turner et al., 2012), and the Modified Maximizing Scale (MMS; Lai, 2010). Although several studies have compared the psychometric properties of these scales, very few have examined the criterion-related validity of the scales using behavioral measures, and no studies have simultaneously evaluated all four scales. Thus, the present study evaluated the criterion-related validity of all four scales using self-report of past real-life decisions as well as hypothetical decision-making scenarios. Overall, the Alternative Search subscale of the MI (MI-AS) emerged with the highest number of positive significant correlations with the behavior criterion measures. However, it should be noted that there are theoretical limitations to the MI-AS, insofar as it only contains items related to the tendency to consider multiple alternatives and neglects what is arguably the most theoretically-relevant aspect of maximizing tendency, which is the desire to identify the optimal alternative. With regard to the criterion-related validity of the other scales, no clear pattern of results emerged, which contradicted a prior study in which the MTS was significantly correlated with more behavior-based criteria than was the MS. However, consistent with several prior studies, both the MS and MMS demonstrated poor internal consistency, a finding which warrants further investigation of the psychometric properties of these scales.
Dalia Diab, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Cynthia Dulaney, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Susan Kenford, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Behavioral Sciences; Psychological Tests; Psychology
scale evaluation; maximizing tendency; satisficing; criterion-related validity; behavior-based criteria; psychometric properties; decision-making style

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Tolle, K. (2017). An Examination of the Criterion-Related Validity of Four Maximizing Tendency Scales: Which Scale is the "Best?" [Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1458418698

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Tolle, Kathryn. An Examination of the Criterion-Related Validity of Four Maximizing Tendency Scales: Which Scale is the "Best?". 2017. Xavier University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1458418698.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Tolle, Kathryn. "An Examination of the Criterion-Related Validity of Four Maximizing Tendency Scales: Which Scale is the "Best?"." Doctoral dissertation, Xavier University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=xavier1458418698

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Xavier University Psychology and OhioLINK.