The Rapid Sense of Direction (RSOD) Scale: a short and reliable measure of sense of direction.

In this study, we used a decade of data (N = 3794) to produce a short and reliable assessment of self-reported sense of direction. By using a measure of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), we shortened the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction Scale (SBSOD) to a 4-item scale that retains the strong internal consistency of the original SBSOD. The new scale remains sensitive to the well-known effects of sex on spatial orientation, as well as being sensitive to the presence of Developmental Topographical Disorientation (DTD), while maintaining the same pattern of association with a cognitive battery of computerized tasks measuring different spatial abilities. This shortened 4-item scale, which we have named the Rapid Sense of Direction Scale (RSOD), is practical for use in clinical settings or research with any time constraints to obtain a rapid assessment of an individual’s self-reported sense of direction.