Scale Overview
The Generalized Expectancy for Success Scale – Revised (GESS-R) was developed by W. Daniel Hale, L. R. Fiedler, & C. D. Cochran (1992). It is designed to measure Generalized Expectancy for Success. The scale is intended for use with Adults.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 25 items.
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: 1 = Highly improbable, 2 = Improbable, 3 = Equally improbable and probable, not sure, 4 = Probable, 5 = Highly probable.
The scale includes 5 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 25 to 125. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Expectancy for Success: 25 – 58
- Moderate Expectancy for Success: 59 – 91
- High Expectancy for Success: 92 – 125
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.90.
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.