A detailed analysis of the reliability and validity of the sensation seeking scale in a UK sample

The Sensation Seeking Scale V (SSS-V; Zuckerman, 1979, Zuckerman, 1994) has been a popular measure of the sensation seeking trait in the study of a variety of risky behaviours. Despite the popularity of this questionnaire it has previously been criticised in a number of areas, notably the forced-choice format and the nature of some of the items which are somewhat dated, and also the way in which items were selected for inclusion and retention in the scale. This study provides a detailed analysis of the SSS-V, based upon responses from 142 British university students, using a combination of traditional reliability analysis and Smallest Space Analysis. The forced-choice items were broken down to their constituent elements and assessed using a Likert-type scale. The analyses indicated that 19 items should be removed to maximise the reliability and validity of the scale. The items removed are mostly those that are dated in tone or reflect attitudes that are perhaps less useful indicators of sensation seeking at the start of the 21st century.