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Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ)
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About Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ)
Scale Name
Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ)
Author Details
Bruce K. Britton, Ph.D., and Abraham Tesser, Ph.D.
Translation Availability
English

Background/Description
The Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ), developed by Dr. Bruce K. Britton and Dr. Abraham Tesser in 1991, is a self-report instrument designed to assess individual time management practices, particularly among college students. Recognizing the critical role of effective time management in academic success, the TMQ evaluates behaviors and attitudes that contribute to efficient time utilization. The original questionnaire comprised 35 items; however, through principal components analysis, it was refined to an 18-item scale encompassing three distinct factors:
- Short-Range Planning: This factor includes items that assess daily and weekly planning activities, such as making daily to-do lists and setting specific goals for the week.
- Time Attitudes: This dimension evaluates individuals’ perceptions and feelings about time management, including their sense of control over time and the belief that time is used constructively.
- Long-Range Planning: This factor pertains to planning and goal-setting over extended periods, such as setting goals for an entire academic term and keeping track of important dates.
Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “Never” to “Always,” with higher scores indicating more effective time management practices. The TMQ has been widely utilized in research to explore the relationship between time management behaviors and academic performance. For instance, Britton and Tesser (1991) found that certain time management components were significant predictors of college grade point average (GPA), accounting for more variance than standardized test scores.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Access the TMQ through the original publication by Britton and Tesser (1991) or reputable psychological assessment resources.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform participants that the TMQ aims to assess their time management behaviors and attitudes, providing insights into their planning practices and perceptions of time use.
- Provide Instructions: Instruct participants to reflect on their typical time management practices and rate how frequently they engage in each behavior or endorse each attitude, using the provided 5-point Likert scale.
- Approximate Time: The TMQ typically takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure participants complete the questionnaire in a quiet, comfortable environment, free from distractions, to facilitate honest and thoughtful responses.
Reliability and Validity
The TMQ has demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. In the original study by Britton and Tesser (1991), the three factors accounted for 36% of the variance in time management practices. Subsequent research has examined the factor structure and reliability of the TMQ.
For example, a study by Trueman and Hartley (1996) with British university students found a two-factor solution, Daily Planning and Confidence in Long-Term Planning, accounting for 44% of the variance. The internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) for the overall 14-item revised scale was reported as 0.79, with the Daily Planning subscale at 0.85 and the Confidence in Long-Term Planning subscale at 0.71. These findings suggest that the TMQ is a reliable tool for assessing time management practices, though cultural differences may influence its factor structure.
Available Versions
18-Items
Reference
Britton, B. K., & Tesser, A. (1991). Effects of time-management practices on college grades. Journal of educational psychology, 83(3), 405.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Time Management Questionnaire (TMQ)?
The TMQ is designed to assess individual time management practices, focusing on planning behaviors and attitudes toward time utilization, particularly among students.
Who developed the TMQ?
The TMQ was developed by Dr. Bruce K. Britton and Dr. Abraham Tesser, with the original study published in 1991.
How is the TMQ structured?
The questionnaire consists of 18 items divided into three subscales: Short-Range Planning, Time Attitudes, and Long-Range Planning. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale.
How is the TMQ administered?
Participants self-report by rating how frequently they engage in specific time management behaviors or endorse certain attitudes toward time, using a scale from “Never” to “Always.”
Is the TMQ a reliable and valid measure?
Yes, the TMQ has demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity across various studies and populations, making it a useful tool in both educational and research settings.
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