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Bullshit Frequency Scale

The Bullshitting Frequency Scale (BFS), developed by Shane Littrell and colleagues (2020), measures how often individuals engage in persuasive or evasive bullshitting in everyday situations. It is used in psychological research to assess individual differences in the tendency to stretch the truth to impress, persuade, or avoid discomfort.

3 minutes to complete

Eligibility

The Bullshit Frequency Scale can be completed by anyone above the age of 18 who can understand and respond to the questions. There are no specific qualifications required.

Questions for Bullshit Frequency Scale

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Questions

1.

When I want to impress the person or people I'm talking to.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
2.

When I want others to see me as more intelligent or knowledgeable.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
3.

When I want to contribute to a conversation or discussion even though I’m not well informed on the topic.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
4.

By pretending to know more about a topic than I actually do.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
5.

When I'm trying to fit in better or be more accepted by the person or people I'm interacting with.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
6.

When I know it will be easy to get away with it.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
7.

When I want the thing(s) I'm talking about to sound more interesting or exciting.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
8.

When I’m trying to persuade someone to change their mind or agree with what I’m saying.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
9.

When being fully honest would be harmful or embarrassing to me or someone else.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
10.

When a direct answer might get me in trouble.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
11.

When I don't want to tell someone what I really think.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time
12.

When a direct answer would hurt another person's feelings.

The answer should be a single choice:
  1. Never
  2. Rarely
  3. Occasionally / Sometimes
  4. Frequently
  5. A lot / All the time

Scoring

Scale Score
Never 1
Rarely 2
Occasionally / Sometimes 3
Frequently 4
A lot / All the time 5

Interpretation

Score Range Interpretation
BFS score can range from 1 (Never) to 5 (A lot/All the time) Higher scores indicate more frequent engagement in bullshitting behaviors, whether to persuade or to evade. Lower scores indicate a tendency toward greater honesty and sincerity

Scales Similar to Bullshit Frequency Scale

  • Dishonesty Detection Gauge
  • Falsehood Frequency Meter
  • Deception Density Scale
  • Untruthfulness Measurement Index
  • Fabrication Frequency Graph
  • Misrepresentation Magnitude Meter

Here are some FAQs and additional information
on
Bullshit Frequency Scale

What does the BFS measure?

It assesses two types of bullshitting: persuasive (to impress or persuade others) and evasive (to avoid discomfort or negative consequences).

How is the BFS scored?

Respondents rate 12 items on a scale from 1 (Never) to 5 (A lot/All the time); subscale and overall scores are calculated as averages.

Who uses the BFS?

Researchers and psychologists use the BFS to study honesty, communication styles, and personality traits related to truth-stretching.

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