Scale-Description

The ASD Scale uses pairs of opposing adjectives, such as “active – inactive,” “strong – weak,” to evaluate participants’ perceptions of age and the elderly. Participants are asked to rate their perceptions on a numerical scale, usually ranging from 1 to 7, where 1 represents one extreme and 7 the opposite. The tool specifically measures three key dimensions:
Evaluative Dimension: It addresses how positively or negatively participants view older adults.
Activity Dimension: It assesses how active or inactive participants perceive older adults to be.
Potency Dimension: It examines the perception of strength or weakness in older adults.

Data Analysis and Use

Data collected from the ASD scale are typically analyzed using statistical methods, such as:
Descriptive statistics: Used to present the means and standard deviations for each pair of opposing adjectives.
Factor analysis: Used to identify the underlying factors that drive attitudes towards older adults, confirming the dimensions represented by the scale.
Analysis of differences: Often applied to determine if there are differences in attitudes between different population groups, such as young and older people or between genders.

Use of ASD Data

ASD data are used in various fields, including:
Academic research: Researchers use the scale to better understand perceptions surrounding aging and how these are influenced by factors such as culture, education, and personal experiences.
Awareness programs: The results of studies using the ASD can contribute to the development of educational programs aimed at reducing stereotypes and promoting more positive attitudes towards older adults.
Clinical applications: The scale can be used to understand the relationship older adults have with the healthcare system, as well as to assess the attitudes of healthcare professionals toward this age group.

Purpose

The main objective of using the ASD scale is to analyze and understand individuals’ attitudes towards older adults and the aging process. This is particularly important in societies where the aging population is increasing, as it can help develop policies and programs that promote positive aging and reduce prejudice.

Calibration

Calibration of the ASD scale is carried out to ensure its reliability and validity. This process usually involves:
Initial pilot study: A preliminary study to test the clarity and understanding of the adjectives and opposing concepts by participants.
Reliability testing: Measures such as Cronbach’s Alpha are used to assess the internal consistency of the scale.
Content and construct validity: This is done to confirm that the pairs of opposites reflect the concepts related to aging and the elderly.

References

Rosencranz, H. A., & McNevin, T. E. (1969). A factor analysis of attitudes toward the aged. The Gerontologist, 9(1), 55–59.
Polizzi, K. G. (2003). Assessing attitudes toward the elderly: Polizzi’s refined version of the aging semantic differential. Educational Gerontology, 29(3), 197–216.
Stewart, T. L., Chipperfield, J. G., Perry, R. P., & Weiner, B. (2012). Attributing illness to “old age”: Consequences of a self-directed stereotype for health and mortality. Psychology and Aging, 27(4), 1067–1078.
McTavish, D. G. (1971). Perceptions of old people: A review of research methodologies and findings. The Gerontologist, 11(4), 90–101.