Validating An Ethical Motivations Scale: Convergence and Predictive Ability

This article reports results of a study designed to validate an ethical motivations scale (EMS). Subjects were exposed to an ethical dilemma, were asked how they would resolve the dilemma, and were measured using the EMS. Quantitative methods–factor analysis and analysis of variance–were used. The EMS exhibited characteristics of predictive and convergent validity. Also, subjects using intrinsic motivations for ethical behavior were found to hold more predictable attitudes toward ethical dilemmas than were subjects using extrinsic guides.