Superficiality and the Dimensionality of Sexism

Abstract

Good measurement of sexism depends on a determination of the dimensionality of this attitude, as well as on reliability and validity. Separate scales would need to be constructed for each of several distinct dimensions. If only one dimension exists, however, the best scale would sample from many areas along this dimension. Four studies investigated the dimensionality of sexism and the nature of the dimensions to assure that none represents superficial responding. A single, general attitude seems justified by the results: (1) transparent, easily distinguished pairs yield the same score as easily confused pairs in a forced-choice instrument; (2) females score higher, as do whites and non-singles; (3) feminists have higher scores but equal variances; (4) in the four separate samples only one factor is replicated.