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Prejudiced attitude measurement using the Rasch Rating Scale model
Antonio J Rojas Tejada1, Oscar M Lozano Rojas, Marisol Navas Luque
1Faculty of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain. arojas@ual.es
Psychological Reports
|January 14, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a new prejudice scale to measure attitudes between majority and minority groups. Developed using item response theory, it assesses beliefs, emotions, and behaviors for a comprehensive evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Attitude Measurement
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Traditional methods for studying minority prejudice against majorities include adapting majority group instruments or qualitative discourse analysis.
- Existing approaches inadequately measure intergroup attitudes during majority-minority interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present a novel prejudice scale designed to measure the attitudes of both minority and majority groups.
- To provide a psychometrically sound instrument for assessing intergroup prejudice in interactive contexts.
Main Methods:
- The study employed item response theory (IRT), specifically the rating scale model, for the psychometric development of the prejudice scale.
- Prejudice was conceptualized as an attitude encompassing beliefs/opinions, emotions, and behavioral intentions towards an out-group.
Main Results:
- A new prejudice scale was successfully developed, validated through item response theory.
- The scale allows for the measurement of attitudes held by both minority and majority groups towards each other.
Conclusions:
- The developed scale offers a more effective method for measuring intergroup attitudes compared to previous approaches.
- This instrument advances the study of prejudice by providing a robust tool for assessing majority and minority group perceptions.
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