The Differential Framing Measure for Procrastination : An Implicit Measure of Procrastination Cognitions

Abstract

The present study attempted to create a scale for measuring the implicit cognitions related to procrastination. Items for the measure were created from a set of cognitive rationalizations derived from existing procrastination research. Unfortunately, the items for the new measure failed to converge on to a single factor, thus inhibiting further analysis. Nevertheless, data analysis using established measures of procrastination produced a growth curve model that demonstrated the difference between non-procrastinators and procrastinators. The behavioral indicators of procrastination were based on participants' accumulation of participation credits, the order in which participants registered for their account, and the time taken by participants to activate their account. Significant correlations were found between several established self-report procrastination measures and the criterion measures of procrastination. Thus, this study's findings are limited to the procrastination and criterion measures used. Nonetheless, the utility of the criterion measure as an indicator of procrastination was demonstrated.