The Items in the 4 Preliminary IPIP Scales
Measuring Constructs Similar to Those in
the Comprehensive Health Survey (CHS)

NEED FOR COGNITION (Cacioppo & Petty, 1982) [IPIP Scale Alpha = .84]
+ keyed Like to solve complex problems.
  Need things explained only once.
  Can handle a lot of information.
  Love to think up new ways of doing things.
  Am quick to understand things.
  Love to read challenging material.

– keyed Have difficulty understanding abstract ideas.
  Try to avoid complex people.
  Avoid difficult reading material.
  Avoid philosophical discussions.

COGNITIVE FAILURES (Broadbent et al., 1982) [.79]
+ keyed Get confused easily.
  Often forget things.
  Let my attention wander off.
  Spill things.
  Have difficulty keeping things in mind.
  Can't make up my mind.

– keyed Like to take responsibility for making decisions.
  Always know why I do things.
  Remain calm under pressure.
  Pay attention to details.

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (Foa et al., 1998)

NEED FOR ORDER AND CLEANLINESS [.81]
+ keyed Want everything to be "just right."
  Like order.
  Like to tidy up.
  Follow a schedule.
  Want everything to add up perfectly.
  Continue until everything is perfect.

– keyed Am not bothered by messy people.
  Am not bothered by disorder.
  Leave a mess in my room.
  Leave my belongings around.

PERFECTIONISM AND INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS [.82]
+ keyed Question my ability to do my work properly.
  Am filled with doubts about things.
  Am afraid that I will do the wrong thing.
  Dislike myself.
  Mess things up.
  Excel in nothing at all.

– keyed Seldom feel blue.
  Feel comfortable with myself.
  Remain calm under pressure.
  Complete tasks successfully.


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