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Measuring the Strength of Mice
Published on: June 2, 2013
Measuring the character strength of wisdom
1Psychology Department, Langara College, Vancouver, BC, Canada. jwebster@langara.bc.ca
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|October 26, 2007
Summary
The Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS) demonstrates excellent reliability and validity in measuring wisdom. This new scale correlates with generativity and attachment styles, offering a robust tool for psychological research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Wisdom is a complex psychological construct.
- Existing measures of wisdom lack comprehensive validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS).
- To examine the psychosocial correlates of wisdom.
Main Methods:
- Administered a 40-item SAWS, Loyola Generativity Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale to 171 participants (17-92 years).
- Conducted reliability analyses (test-retest, Cronbach's Alpha) and factor analyses (exploratory and confirmatory).
Main Results:
- The SAWS exhibited excellent reliability (test-retest = .838, Cronbach's Alpha = .904).
- Factor analyses confirmed five hypothesized dimensions of wisdom.
- SAWS scores showed predicted correlations with generativity (r=.448) and attachment avoidance (r=-.239).
Conclusions:
- The SAWS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing wisdom.
- The scale operationalizes a new definition of wisdom and demonstrates construct validity through its correlations with related psychological constructs.
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