Scale Overview
The Behavioral Inhibition System and Behavioral Activation System Scales – BIS/BAS was developed by Charles S. Carver & Teri L. White (1994). It is designed to measure Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation System Sensitivity. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 24 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: BAS Drive, BAS Fun Seeking, BAS Reward Responsiveness, Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS).
| Factor / Subscale |
Items |
N |
| BAS Drive |
3,9,12,21 |
4 |
| BAS Fun Seeking |
5,10,15,20 |
4 |
| BAS Reward Responsiveness |
4,7,14,18,23 |
5 |
| Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) |
2,8,13,16,19,22,24 |
7 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Very true for me, 2 = Somewhat true for me, 3 = Somewhat false for me, 4 = Very false for me.
The scale includes 18 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Alpha coefficients range from .73 to .76 for BAS scales, and .74 for the BIS scale..
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.