Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS)

Reference

Arnett, J. (1994). Sensation seeking: A new conceptualization and a new scale. Personality and Individual Differences, 16(2), 289–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/0191-8869(94)90165-1

List of questions

Question number (as in the 20-item scale)	Question	Original 20-item scale	Novelty subscale	Intensity subscale
1	I can see how it would be interesting to marry someone from a foreign country.	✓	✓
2	When the water is very cold, I prefer not to swim even if it is a hot day. (-)	✓		✓
3	If I have to wait in a long line, I'm usually patient about it. (-)	✓	✓
4	When I listen to music, I like it to be loud.	✓		✓
5	When taking a trip, I think it is best to make as few plans as possible and just take it as it comes.	✓	✓
6	I stay away from movies that are said to be frightening or highly suspenseful. (-)	✓		✓
7	I think it's fun and exciting to perform or speak before a group.	✓	✓
8	If I were to go to an amusement park, I would prefer to ride the rollercoaster or other fast rides.	✓		✓
9	I would like to travel to places that are strange and far away.	✓	✓
10	I would never like to gamble with money, even if I could afford it. (-)	✓		✓
11	I would have enjoyed being one of the first explorers of an unknown land.	✓	✓
12	I like a movie where there are a lot of explosions and car chases.	✓		✓
13	I don't like extremely hot and spicy foods. (-)	✓	✓
14	In general, I work better when I'm under pressure.	✓		✓
15	I often like to have the radio or TV on while I'm doing something else, such as reading or cleaning up.	✓	✓
16	It would be interesting to see a car accident happen.	✓		✓
17	I think it's best to order something familiar when eating in a restaurant. (-)	✓	✓
18	I like the feeling of standing next to the edge on a high place and looking down.	✓		✓
19	If it were possible to visit another planet or the moon for free, I would be among the first in line to sign up.	✓	✓
20	I can see how it must be exciting to be in a battle during a war.	✓		✓

Use of this scale in CLOSER Discovery study questionnaires and datasets

Version	Study	Year	Questionnaire	Dataset
Original 20-item scale	ALSPAC	2006-2007	Life of a 16+ Teenager	ALSPAC Life of a 16+ Teenager Questionnaire Dataset
Original 20-item scale	ALSPAC	2010-2011	Your Changing Life	ALSPAC Your Changing Life Questionnaire Dataset