Maximization Scale (Schwartz et al.)
Psychology: Cognition & EducationReliability: alpha 0.713 sample items
About this scale
A 13-item measure of the tendency to maximize (seek the best) versus satisfice (settle for good enough) in decision-making. Maximizers experience more regret and lower well-being.
Sample item(s)
“When I am in the car listening to the radio, I often check other stations to see if something better is playing”
“No matter how satisfied I am with my job, it's only right for me to be on the lookout for better opportunities”
“I treat relationships like clothing: I expect to try a lot on before finding the perfect fit”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.71. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Free for academic use.
Source & citation
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, Vol. 83, No. 5, pp. 1178–1197.
Schwartz et al. (2002): Maximization Scale. JPSP, 83(5), 1178–1197.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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