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Need for Closure Scale (NFCS, Webster & Kruglanski)

Psychology: PersonalityReliability: alpha 0.843 sample items

About this scale

A 42-item measure of need for cognitive closure — the desire for a definite answer on some topic, any answer, as opposed to ambiguity.

Sample item(s)

“I don't like situations that are uncertain”
“I dislike questions which could be answered in many different ways”
“I think that having clear rules and order at work is essential for success”

Reliability

Reported internal consistency: alpha 0.84. 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; brief 15-item version available.

Source & citation

Webster, D. M., & Kruglanski, A. W. (1994): Individual differences in need for cognitive closure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 67, No. 6, pp. 1049–1062.

Webster & Kruglanski (1994): NFCS. JPSP, 67(6), 1049–1062.

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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