Description

The General Causality Orientations Scale (GCOS) is a measurement tool developed to assess individuals’ general causality orientations, that is, the stable tendencies people have to perceive and interpret events and experiences in specific ways. The scale was developed by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan and is based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT).

Purpose

The main purpose of the GCOS is to measure three basic types of causality orientations that determine how individuals approach decision-making and motivation:
Autonomous Orientation: The tendency to act based on internal values and interests, feeling that one has control over one’s actions.
Controlled Orientation: The tendency to be guided by external pressures and expectations, feeling that one’s actions are determined by others.
Impersonal Orientation: The tendency to feel confused and uncertain, struggling to make decisions or to feel in control.

Analysis

The analysis of GCOS data involves various statistical methods to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale:
Factor Analysis: Used to examine the internal structure of the scale and confirm that the items are correctly grouped into the three causality orientations.
Reliability: The internal consistency of the GCOS subscales is tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
Validity: Assessed through comparisons with other valid personality and motivation measures to ensure that the scale accurately measures causality orientations.

Calibration

The calibration of the GCOS involves the following steps:
Data Collection from Various Samples: Data are collected from diverse samples of individuals to ensure the generalizability of the results.
Distribution Analysis: The distribution of scores is examined to determine whether the scores are normally distributed and representative of individuals’ causality orientations.
Establishment of Norm Values: Norm values and percentiles are developed for interpreting the results, allowing for the comparison of causality orientations across different populations and conditions.

References

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). The General Causality Orientations Scale: Self-determination in personality. Journal of Research in Personality, 19(2), 109–134.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
Vallerand, R. J., & Ratelle, C. F. (2002). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: A hierarchical model. In E. L. Deci & R. M. Ryan (Eds.), Handbook of self-determination research (pp. 37–63). Rochester, NY: University of Rochester Press.
Gagné, M., & Deci, E. L. (2005). Self-determination theory and work motivation. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(4), 331–362.