Scale-Description

The Attitudes Toward Old Persons scale (ATTOPS-34) is a psychometric tool designed to measure people’s attitudes toward older adults. It consists of 34 statements that evaluate a range of positive and negative perceptions about older adults. Respondents typically answer on a Likert scale, allowing the quantification of attitudes on a spectrum from strong agreement to disagreement. ATTOPS-34 has been widely used in research to understand societal views of older adults and to help design intervention strategies aimed at improving these attitudes.

Analysis and Data Use

The analysis of data collected from the ATTOPS-34 scale relies on quantitative methods. Each statement on the scale represents a specific attitude or belief, and responses are typically coded into numerical values. The most common methods of analysis include:
Descriptive statistical analysis: Used to calculate averages, variances, and percentages of positive or negative responses.
Factor analysis: Examines the underlying structure of attitudes to identify possible factors shaping perceptions.
Comparative analysis: Comparisons can be made between groups (e.g., age, gender, professional experience) to evaluate differences in attitudes toward older adults.
The ATTOPS-34 scale is used to identify the degree of bias or positive attitudes toward older adults across various populations, such as healthcare professionals, students, or the general public. The data can also be used in research to develop educational and awareness programs aimed at improving relationships and perceptions toward older adults.

Purpose

The primary objective of using ATTOPS-34 is to evaluate and calibrate attitudes of individuals toward older adults. This helps to identify both positive and negative elements in these attitudes and provides insight into the need for interventions in educational or social programs. Additionally, it is used to monitor changes in attitudes following specific interventions or over time.

Calibration

The calibration of the ATTOPS-34 scale involves using statistical tools to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its measurements. Psychometric evaluation includes testing the internal consistency of the scale, statistical validity, and its reliability across different linguistic and cultural groups. With proper calibration, ATTOPS-34 can be reliably used to assess individuals’ attitudes and provide data that lead to social and educational improvements.

Bibliography

Kogan, N. (1961). Attitudes toward old people: The development of a scale and an examination of correlates. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 62(1), 44-54.
Rupp, D. E., & Vodanovich, S. J. (1997). The Aging Anxiety Scale: Factor structure and validity. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 57(1), 143-152.
Cuddy, A. J., Norton, M. I., & Fiske, S. T. (2005). This old stereotype: The pervasiveness and persistence of the elderly stereotype. Journal of Social Issues, 61(2), 267-285.