Date of Award
1996
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
Two independent variables (label and semantic construction) were studied for their effects on the dependent variable of attitude. The independent variable of label had two conditions (mental vs. physical illness). The independent variable of semantic construction also had two levels (is vs. has). This resulted in a 2 x 2 factorial design. The different levels of the independent variables were combined to yield four conditions placed in vignette form; (1) "is mentally ill," (2) "has a mental illness," (3) "is physically ill," and (4) "has a physical illness." Vignettes were responded to on the Personal Attribute Inventory which consisted of 100 adjectives (50 negative; 50 positive). Participants were 200 adults who received one of the four vignettes. Scores were calculated as an index of negativity with zero being the least negative and 100 being the most negative. A two-way analysis of variance determined that the independent variable of label was significant. However, the independent variable of semantic construction and the interaction between label and semantic construction were not significant.
Recommended Citation
Sommer, Jeanne S., "The Effects Of Semantics On The Attitude Differences Toward Mental And Physical Illness" (1996). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 890.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/890