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Appendix B: Barratt Impulsiveness

Scale (Revised)

I ntroduction: People differ in ways they act and think under various
situations. Ernest Barratt developed the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
Test in 1995 to measure a person’s level of impulsiveness.1 This is a
revised test incorporating my comments to help you identify and be
aware of ways in which you react and think as an investor.
Directions: Read each statement and circle the appropriate num-
ber on the right side of this page. Do not spend too much time on
any statement. Answer quickly and honestly. Refer to Table B.1.
Scores
1 Rarely/Never
2 Occasionally
3 Often
4 Almost Always/Always

Scoring system: Before adding up your scores in each section,

reverse the scores of reverse questions; for example, if your score on
a reverse score question was 4, then reverse it to 1.
Then add up all your scores for the section.

Table B.1 Revised Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 1

Attentional Facet Scores
I. 1 2 3 4
1. I don’t “pay attention.” 1 2 3 4
2. I concentrate easily. 1 2 3 4
3. I “squirm” at plays or lectures. 1 2 3 4
4. I am a steady thinker. 1 2 3 4
5. I am restless at the theater or lectures. 1 2 3 4
(Continued )

197
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198 NeuroInvesting

Table B.1 (Continued)

II. 1 2 3 4
6. I have “racing” thoughts. 1 2 3 4
7. I change hobbies.
8. I often have extraneous thoughts when thinking.
Reverse score questions are: 2 and 4
Your scores for Attentional Facet I: _____________
Your scores for Attentional Facet II: ____________
Comment: if your scores were low on both then you have a good attention span
and cognitive stability, the qualities of nonimpulsivity.
Motor Facet
I.  
9. I do things without thinking. 1 2 3 4
10. I make up my mind quickly. 1 2 3 4
11. I am happy‐go‐lucky. 1 2 3 4
12. I “act” on impulse. 1 2 3 4
13. I act on the spur of the moment. 1 2 3 4
14. I buy things on impulse. 1 2 3 4
15. I spend or charge more than I earn. 1 2 3 4
II. 1 2 3 4
16. I change jobs. 1 2 3 4
17. I change residences. 1 2 3 4
18. I can think only about one thing at a time. 1 2 3 4
19. I am future oriented. 1 2 3 4
Reverse score question is 19
Your score for Motor Facet I: ____________
Your score for Motor Facet II: ____________
Comment: If you scored low on both, then you have good control of your motor
actions and persevere in holding off on impulsive actions.
The answer to question 10 needs to be qualified. My assessment differs from the
standard low score for nonimpulsivity. I accept a higher score for this question
because I believe that an investor’s ability to make up his or her mind quickly
with a quality decision is a positive factor. The ability to make a quick and yet not
impulsive decision is the skill of an excellent instinctual investor. I see a mid to
high score in this question as positive.
Planning Facet
I.
20. I plan tasks carefully.
21. I plan trips well ahead of time. 1 2 3 4
22. I am self‐controlled. 1 2 3 4
23. I am a careful thinker. 1 2 3 4
24. I plan for job security. 1 2 3 4
25. I say things without thinking. 1 2 3 4
II. 1 2 3 4
26. I save regularly. 1 2 3 4
27. I like to think about complex problems. 1 2 3 4
28. I am easily bored when solving thought problems. 1 2 3 4
29. I am more interested in the present than in the future. 1 2 3 4
30. I like puzzles.
Reverse score questions are:
20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, and 30
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Appendix B: Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Revised) 199

Table B.1 (Continued)

Your score for Planning Facet I: ____________
Your score for Planning Facet II: ____________
Comment: If you scored low on both, then you have good self‐control in planning
for your future and possess the cognitive ability for complexity, the reverse of an
impulsive attitude.

With question 29, my assessment differs from the standard score. I accept a
higher score for nonimpulsivity. While one’s attitude of planning for the future is a
sign of nonimpulsivity, for an investor, the ability to focus on the present decision
and not be distracted by the prospects of future profits or an out‐of‐proportion
fear of past or future losses is an asset. A higher score for those reasons is
acceptable for this question and does not detract from being nonimpulsive.
Source: http://www.impulsivity.org/pdf/BIS11English.pdf, with author’s revision incorporated in the scale.

Note
1. J. H. Patton, M. S. Stanford, and E. S. Barratt, “Factor structure of the Barratt
Impulsiveness Scale,” Journal of Clinical Psychology 51 (1995): 768–774.