Toward an understanding of attitude assessment in nutrition research
Sims, L.S.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 78(5): 460-466
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 7252003 Document Number: 181392
The issues involved with attitude measurement in nutrition research begin with defining "attitude" and separating it from beliefs, opinions, and values. The techniques for measuring attitude are usually based on self-reports, behavioral observations, reactions to structured stimuli, task performance, or physiological reactions; various instruments have been developed which focus on equal-appearing intervals, summated ratings, scalograms, or semantic differentials. Validity and reliability must be established, and the attitude-behavior relationship explored in terms of personal, situational and methodological factors. A model for attitude definition and measurement is presented which is based on an operational method of defining attitude, the formulation of specific measurement items, the generation of statements to elicit data from respondents, factor analysis for determining construct validity, and a multiple measure of scale scores.