Testing conceptual distinctions among Carver and White’s (1994) BAS scales: A comment and extension on Smillie, Jackson, and Dalgleish (2006)

Smillie et al. (2006) have proposed a structural reconceptualization of the BAS scales (Carver & White, 1994). They hypothesized that the fun scale should be considered close to trait impulsivity, whilst drive and reward responsiveness scales reflect more closely a reward reactivity interpretation of the behavioral activation system. In this study, it is claimed that Smillie at al.’s results were not conclusive because the authors did not address plausible equivalent alternative models to their data. It is argued that when using confirmatory models it is important to address possible alternative models that fit equally well to the data. The problem of alternative equivalent models is here discussed, and models that overcome the problem and that support Smillie et al.’s theoretical argument are presented.