Study of Validity and Reliability of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire in Turkish Community Sample

In this study, it is aimed to assess the validity and reliability of Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ) which was developed on the basis of revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) in Turkish community sample.

The sample of study was consisted of 528 participants, 314 (59.5%) female and 214 (40.5%) male, in the range of 18-69 years. Data was collected by using online data collection tools via snowball method. Within the scope of the reliability study, test-retest application, split-half method and internal consistency analysis; within the scope of the validity study, explanatory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. For criterion-related validity Behavioral Inhibition System / Behavioral Activation System Scale (BIS/BAS), Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Abbreviated Form (EPQR-A) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-II) were applied.

At the result of reliability analysis, the Cronbach Alpha internal consistency coefficient values of RSQ subscales were determined between 0.71 and 0.82. At the result of criterion-related validity, statistically significant correlations between subscales of RSQ and the similar subscales of BIS/BAS, EPQR-A and STAI-II were found. In explanatory factor analysis, a five-factor construct that has eigenvalues above 1, accounting for 49.96% of the total variance was found and it was seen that the questionnaire items loaded on their expected subscales consistent with the original questionnaire. In confirmatory factor analysis, CFI value was below the acceptable value of 0.90 at the first analysis. After eliminating two items and applying the recommended modifications, the fit indices reached the acceptable levels.

According to the results of analysis, it was determined that Turkish version of RSQ is a valid and reliable evaluation tool for Turkish population.