Scale Analysis

The Inspiration Scale (IS) is based on the inspiration model proposed by Thrash and Elliot (2003), which identifies three components of inspiration: evocation, motivation, and transcendence.

Purpose

The scale was created to measure the frequency and intensity of inspiration experienced by an individual, using eight reference items. These are grouped into four categories, each containing two items—one measuring intensity and one measuring frequency.
Frequency-related items assess how often the experience described in the category occurs, while intensity-related items measure how deeply the experience affects the individual.

Question Scoring

Both frequency and intensity questions are rated on a 7-point Likert scale:
For frequency: 1 = “never”, 7 = “very often”
For intensity: 1 = “not at all intense”, 7 = “very intense”

The Inspiration Scale produces:

A total inspiration score (sum of all 8 items)
Two subscale scores: one for frequency and one for intensity, each based on the sum of 4 relevant items.
According to the model, inspiration consists of three features: transcendence, evocation, and approach motivation. Its key quality is that it combines two processes:
Being inspired by something admired (e.g., the beauty of a landscape)
Being inspired to do something (e.g., to become a role model)
Transcendence and evocation are part of the first process, while approach motivation is part of the second.

Statistical Analysis

The scale produces a total inspiration score derived from the 8-item sum, as well as two subscale scores from the four frequency and four intensity items, respectively.

Validity and Reliability

The Inspiration Scale is still undergoing adaptation for the Greek language. It was translated using independent back-translation. It was first administered in Greek and English to Greek psychology students proficient in English. The interval between the two administrations was 14 days. A statistically significant correlation was observed at the 0.001 level (Pearson r = 0.517), supporting the scale’s validity.

References

Authors: T.M. Thrash & A.J. Elliot

Greek Adaptation: A. Avgoustaki, D. Dimitriadou, & A. Stalikas

Tags: Inspiration Scale [IS], reliability, validity, questionnaire analysis