A brief scale for assessment of authoritarianism

Author(s): Wagner, U., Nicolai, K., vanDick, R.

Journal/Book: Gruppendynamik Z Angew Sozial. 1997; 28: Postfach 300 551, D-51334 Leverkusen 3, Germany. Leske Verlag Budrich GmbH. 251-258.

Abstract: This article describes the construction and validation of a short authoritarianism scale modeled on Altemeyer's (1981, 1988) conception of ''Right-Wing Authoritarianism''. The scale's reliability and validity was tested in five samples (university students, N=114), inhabitants of Hessian villages, N=196, students of a nonmedical practitioner school, N=80, 134 young men, doing their alternative service, and a heterogeneous sample of participants in a study of acculturation attitudes towards several ethnic minorities in Germany, N=214). Factor analyses result in an unidimensional factor structure. Scale analyses show a fair to good reliability. Correlations with measurements of ethnic prejudice, national self-esteem and acculturation attitudes indicate a sufficient convergent validity. Because of its brevity, the scale is even suitable in studies with a broader scope. Additionally, the response-set problem is prevented by the balanced use of pro-trait and con-trait items.

Note: Article Petzel T, Univ Marburg, Fachbereich Psychol, Arbeitsgrp Sozialpsychol, Gutenbergstr 18, D-35032 Marburg, GERMANY

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