Measuring extraordinary experiences: The experience type scale – short form

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a short-form version of the experience type scale (ETS) to measure individuals’ perceptions of experiences as memorable, meaningful or transformational. The resulting four-item tool, the ETS–short form (ETS–SF) is based on previous scholarship related to the experience type framework (ETF) and the validated ETS (sixteen-item). To test the reliability and validity of the ETS–SF, we recruited 278 college students to participate in a structured experience (i.e. short film) and then reflect on their experience using the ETS and the ETS–SF. Findings suggest that the ETS–SF is a reliable and valid measurement tool. It produced findings that align with the proposed ETF structure. The ETS–SF is a practical tool for assessing the degree to which participants in different types of experiences perceive them as ordinary or extraordinary. These single-item measures can quickly provide insights into the perceived impact of designed experiences. There are no other single-item measures to assess memorable, meaningful and transformative experiences. The ETS–SF is a first-of-its-kind measurement tool that can be used in any experience context.