MSSQ-Short Norms May Underestimate Highly Susceptible Individuals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide more reliable and robust norms for the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ-Short). Background: The previous norms for the MSSQ-Short involved a small sample overrepresenting younger female participants, which may provide misleading estimates of susceptibility in the general population. Method: We measured MSSQ-Short scores in a sample of 1,711 members of the general public in New Zealand and Australia. The sample is 6.6 times larger than the original norm sample, and age and gender closely match the general population. Results: Compared with the current study, the original norms underrepresent those of high susceptibility by a factor of 3.6, or 0.52 standard deviations. The analysis detected higher levels of susceptibility in females and significantly lower susceptibility in those ages 65 years and older. Conclusion: This study provides the largest sample of MSSQ-Short scores with more representative demographic characteristics of age and gender. Despite the potential for a self-selection bias toward high levels of susceptibility, we argue that the current norms provide more reliable and robust norms than the original sample. Application: These updated norms provide the tools for researchers and designers to evaluate the likely effect of various motion environments on the general population. Robust norm data can inform research, including general motion sickness research and environmental design.