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Self-Anchoring Scale: Does It Make a Difference?

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  • Myron J. Lefcowitz
  • Barbara Wallston

Abstract

Self-anchoring scales are ones in which each respondent provides an individual definition of the end points of a dimension and then rates himself on this self defined continuum. Presumably (1) people will rate themselves differently when asked to define anchoring points as against not defining them; and (2) people with different self-definitions of the end points of a dimension will rate themselves differently. To test these two propositions, the responses of subjects (University of Wisconsin introductory psychology students) completing different forms of a work values questionnaire were compared. One group defined anchoring points on half the items, another did no defining, and a third group was administered both forms in a testretest fashion. The results of the analysis provide no evidence that (1) people give different ratings when defining the end points of a dimension, and (2) that different definitions lead to different rankings. The conclusion, therefore, is that self-anchoring scales, compared with scales whose end points are undefined, do not demonstrably provide any special advantage to the researcher.

Suggested Citation

  • Myron J. Lefcowitz & Barbara Wallston, 1973. "Self-Anchoring Scale: Does It Make a Difference?," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 1(3), pages 387-399, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:1:y:1973:i:3:p:387-399
    DOI: 10.1177/004912417300100307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonard Goodwin, 1969. "Work Orientations of the Underemployed Poor: Report on a Pilot Study," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 4(4), pages 508-519.
    2. Aberbach, Joel D. & Walker, Jack L., 1970. "The Meanings of Black Power: A Comparison of White and Black Interpretations of a Political Slogan," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(2), pages 367-388, June.
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    1. Arimitsu, Toshihico, 1980. "Correction to the laser master equation," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 104(1), pages 126-142.
    2. Gilmore, R., 1977. "Two nonlinear Dicke models," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 86(1), pages 137-146.
    3. Provost, J.P. & Rocca, F. & Vallee, G. & Sirugue, M., 1976. "Lack of phase transition in the Dicke model with external fields," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 85(1), pages 202-206.

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