INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN SEMANTIC SPACE: A REPLICATION AND EXTENSION

Using a rating task and a method of analysis which allows for individual differences in the use of semantic differential scales, substantial individual differences were found to emerge. In addition, the group average structure corresponded closely to that which has been found in traditional semantic differential research. These two findings replicate previous results. To test the usefulness of an individual differences approach, evaluative scores based on an individual's own evaluative dimension and evaluative scores based on the group average evaluative dimension were used to predict political preferences. Although both sets of scores were highly correlated with preferences, predictive power was not improved by the individual difference approach.