Preference for Consistency Scale

What it measures

Individuals high in PFC tend to behave in ways consistent with prior commitments, are more susceptible to foot-in-the-door effects and cognitive dissonance induction, and show stronger balance-consistency effects. High PFC individuals also tend toward rigidity and personal need for structure. PFC is conceptually and empirically related to balance theory, cognitive dissonance, and commitment-consistency influence principles (Cialdini 1984). The 9-item short form (average alpha=0.84) is recommended for most research contexts; the correlation between 18- and 9-item versions is r=0.95. Mean score: M=5.43 (SD=1.19) for the 18-item version.

Representative items

• It is important to me that my actions are consistent with my beliefs.
• I get uncomfortable when I find my behavior contradicts my beliefs.
• I prefer to be around people whose reactions I can anticipate.
• I typically prefer to do things the same way.
• I dislike people who are constantly changing their opinion.

Citation

Cialdini, R.B., Trost, M.R., & Newsom, J. (1995). Preference for consistency: The development of a valid measure and the discovery of surprising behavioral implications. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(2), 318–328.