Extreme Response Scale (E) in the Giessen Test (GT) reflects the nature of the evaluative position during responses – ranging from restrained and moderate to polar and pronounced. It does not measure personality traits directly, but indicates the frequency of using extreme judgments. This may be related to peculiarities of perception, emotional involvement, cognitive style, and social adaptation, serving as an important indicator of how test statements are perceived and reacted to.
This scale allows for an assessment of the extent to which a person tends to express their position unequivocally and polarly, or, conversely, avoids extremes in assessments. Like the M scale, it helps evaluate the quality and characteristics of responses, as well as possible data distortions when interpreting the main scales.
Low Values
Indicate a tendency toward moderation and restraint in assessments, and a desire to avoid extremes, possibly as a result of self-control. Perception may be more flexible and analytical, with a focus on nuances. There may be a mindset toward maintaining social acceptability or a striving for a balanced picture. Sometimes it reflects a move toward compromise and reduced emotional involvement in the description process. They may also reflect an increased desire for social desirability or caution in responding.
Average Values
Indicate the presence of both restrained and more pronounced assessments. The presentation maintains a balance between categoricity and flexibility, which may suggest a realistic and adaptive approach. Such a position can be associated with sufficient confidence, stable self-esteem, and the absence of extreme cognitive or emotional attitudes.
High Values
May indicate a tendency toward polar, categorical perception, a penchant for black-and-white thinking, and a reduced perception of nuances. These are often accompanied by emotional tension, harshness of judgment, and difficulties in recognizing and differentiating experiences. There may be a connection with cognitive rigidity, a tendency toward dichotomy ("all or nothing"), and difficulty in emotional reflection or expression. With high intensity, interpretation may consider the risk of social detachment or significant internal tension.
Features in Different Variants:
- In the "Self" variant, a high score may indicate harsh self-assessments, emotional tension, or difficulties with reflection;
- In the "He" and "She" variants – that the person evaluating the other expresses their attitude in a polar, perhaps excessively categorical form (for example, in cases of personal sympathy or conflict).
Scale E is not used as an independent personality scale but plays an important role in analyzing the validity and nature of responses. In combination with other data, it helps to understand the general thinking style, emotional regulation, and level of reflexivity.