Description

The Dimensions of Religiosity Scale (DORS) is a psychometric tool developed to measure the various dimensions of an individual’s religiosity. This scale assesses both the internal and external expressions of religious belief and practice, providing a multidimensional view of religious experience.

Objective

The main goal of the DORS is the comprehensive assessment of religiosity. This tool helps researchers and clinicians understand how religiosity affects human thought, behavior, and values. Additionally, it can be used to study the relationship between religiosity and various psychological, social, and health outcomes.

Analysis

The DORS consists of a series of statements that represent different dimensions of religiosity. Participants are asked to evaluate the degree to which they agree or disagree with each statement. The main dimensions typically included are:
Ideological Dimension: Refers to the religious beliefs and teachings accepted and supported by an individual.
Ritualistic Dimension: Includes religious practices and rituals, such as prayer, participation in religious ceremonies, and observance of religious holidays.
Experiential Dimension: Concerns personal and metaphysical experiences related to spirituality and religious life.
Intellectual Dimension: Refers to the knowledge and understanding of religious texts, history, and theology.
Social Dimension: Includes religious relationships and participation in religious communities.

Scoring

The scoring of the DORS is done using Likert scales, where participants rate each statement on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The responses are collected and analyzed to produce overall scores for each dimension of religiosity. Higher scores indicate greater commitment and devotion to religiosity.

Bibliography

Glock, C. Y., & Stark, R. (1965). Religion and Society in Tension. Chicago: Rand McNally.
Cornwall, M., Albrecht, S. L., Cunningham, P. H., & Pitcher, B. L. (1986). The dimensions of religiosity: A conceptual model with an empirical test. Review of Religious Research, 27(3), 226-244.
Hill, P. C., & Hood, R. W. Jr. (1999). Measures of Religiosity. Birmingham, AL: Religious Education Press.
Glock, C. Y. (1962). On the Study of Religious Commitment. Religious Education, 57(4), 98-110.