An Examination Of The Validity Of Two Models Of Attitude

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Assessing the reliability and validity of attitude measures is crucial for understanding health behaviors.
• Previous research has utilized expectancy-value and semantic differential scales to measure attitudes toward blood donation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and validity of expectancy-value and semantic differential measures of attitude toward blood donation.
• To investigate factors influencing behavioral intentions related to blood donation.

Main Methods:

• Structural equation modeling was employed to assess measure validity.
• A quasi-experimental design was used with 284 participants (students, faculty, staff).
• Internal consistency, convergent, concurrent, discriminant, predictive, and nomological validities were tested.

Main Results:

• Semantic differential measures yielded unidimensional attitudes, while expectancy-value measures produced multidimensional attitudes.
• Both attitude measures demonstrated convergent, concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validity.
• Nomological validity of attitude was questioned; past behavior and time since behavior were strong predictors of intention.

Conclusions:

• While both attitude measures are valid predictors, past behavior and time elapsed are more influential on blood donation intentions.
• Personal and social normative beliefs also act as copredictors of intentions.
• Findings are interpreted through attitude, learning, and attribution theories.