Test/C0Retest
After two weeks, 63 participants from Study 2 ( N5151) again completed the evaluation thermometer.
Test/C0retest reliability was found to be .77 ( Haddock et al., 1993 ).
Validity
Convergent/Concurrent
ET scores correlated positively with each of the measures theorized to reflect the components of attitudes in
both Study 1 and Study 2 (stereotypes, rs5.46. .39; symbolic beliefs, rs5.53, .49; affect, rs5.50, .42; past experi-
ences (Study 2 only), r5.41) Finally, scores on the evaluation thermometer during the Study 2 follow up corre-
lated ( r5.70) with those on a semantic differential measure ( Haddock et al., 1993 ).
Divergent/Discriminant
ET scores were negatively correlated with Right Wing Authoritarianism (RWA, 1981, 1988) in both Study 1
and 2 ( rs5/C0.42,/C0.40). Evaluations of the homosexual target group were significantly more negative than
toward other groups assessed (English Canadians, French Canadians, Native Indians, and Pakistanis). Means for
these groups ranged from 58.01 (Pakistanis) to 81.08 (English Canadians).
Construct/Factor Analytic
Because this is a one-item measure, no factor analyses can be carried out.
Criterion/Predictive
The 63 participants who returned for the Study 2 follow-up were also asked to complete a survey recommend-
ing the magnitude of funding cuts to various student organizations. Those scoring above the mid-point (more
favorable) proposed a funding cut of 25% to a lesbian and gay campus organization. Those scoring below the
mid-point (less favorable) recommended cutting funds by 35%. This effect was qualified by an interaction with
RWA (RWA; Altemeyer, 1981 ), such that among those with unfavorable attitudes, authoritarian individuals
recommended greater cuts than their less authoritarian counterparts.
Location
Haddock, G., Zanna, M.P., & Esses, V.M. (1993). Assessing the structure of prejudicial attitudes: The case of
attitudes toward homosexuals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology ,65, 1105 /C01118.
Results and Comments
The ET differs from other available scales assessing anti-gay attitudes. As a single item measure, it assesses
participants’ overall evaluation of this target group separate from the content or endorsement of any specific
stereotypes, and religious or political beliefs. Despite concern over single-item measures, strong test /C0retest reli-
ability suggests that the evaluation thermometer reliably assesses attitudes toward homosexuals. As well, the
strength of predicted correlations with attitude components (stereotypic beliefs, symbolic beliefs, affect, and past
experiences) and RWA, support the validity of the ET measure. Another strength is the wide range in partici-
pants’ responses. While many scales suffer from means that fall well below the mid-point and have small stan-
dard deviations, the ET produced mean scores that fell just below the mid-point and had large standard
deviations, suggesting that it taps a full range of attitudes toward homosexual individuals. Additionally, this
scale is excellent for comparing individuals’ attitudes towards multiple groups, as it is brief and readily
adaptable ( Esses et al., 1993; Haddock et al., 1993 ).
Homophobia Scale (HS)
(Wright et al., 1999 ).
Variable
The HS was designed to assess homophobia in terms of the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components
proposed in O’Donahue and Caselles (1993) tripartite model.726 25. MEASURES OF ATTITUDES TOWARDS SEXUAL ORIENTATION: HETEROSEXISM, HOMOPHOBIA, AND INTERNALIZED STIGMA
VI. SOCIOCULTURAL INTERACTION AND CONFLICT