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Attitude Function Inventory
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About Attitude Function Inventory
Scale Name
Attitude Function Inventory
Author Details
Gregory M. Herek
Translation Availability
Not Sure
Background/Description
Have you ever wondered why you hold certain opinions so strongly? What goes on beneath the surface of a simple “like” or “dislike”? The Attitude Function Inventory (AFI) delves into this fascinating realm, helping us understand the motivations behind our attitudes.
Developed by psychologist Gregory M. Herek, the AFI is a tool inspired by Functional Attitude Theory. This theory proposes that attitudes serve specific purposes in our lives, not just reflecting simple preferences. Herek built upon this theory to create a way to assess these underlying functions.
The Four Functions of Attitudes:
The AFI typically focuses on four main functions that attitudes can serve:
- Utilitarian Function: This is all about practicality. Does your attitude help you achieve your goals or avoid unwanted situations? For instance, valuing punctuality might stem from the belief it leads to success in work or social settings.
- Value-Expressive Function: This function connects your attitude to your core beliefs. Someone who prioritizes environmental protection might hold negative views on pollution because it clashes with their values of sustainability.
- Ego-Defensive Function: Sometimes, attitudes act as a shield for our self-esteem. Disliking a particular group might stem from a need to feel superior, protecting our ego.
- Knowledge Function: Attitudes can help us categorize and understand the world. A positive view of science might reflect the belief that it provides a framework for making sense of the natural world.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Introduction: The administrator (researcher, therapist, etc.) will provide a brief explanation of the AFI and its purpose. They will emphasize the importance of honest and accurate self-reflection.
- Instructions: Participants will receive clear instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. This includes explaining the target attitude and the response scale.
- Responding to Statements: Participants will read each statement on the AFI and rate how much it reflects their reasons for holding the target attitude. They will choose the option on the response scale that best represents their agreement.
- Completion and Clarification: Once finished, participants can hand in the questionnaire. The administrator may answer any questions or clarify any ambiguities participants might have encountered.
Reliability and Validity
The alpha reliability coefficient for the Attitude Function Inventory Value Expressive subscale was especially low (.44). While this is understandable given the scale’s two-item format, it also indicates that a sizable proportion of the students’ scores are due to factors that are not measured in the current study. Thus there may be extraneous variables influencing such scores.
Available Versions
10-Items
Reference
- Herek‚ G. M. (1984). Attitudes toward lesbians and gay men: A factor-analytic study. Journal of Homosexuality‚ 10(1-2)‚ 39-51.
- Herek‚ G. M. (1984). Beyond “homophobia”: A social psychological perspective on attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Journal of Homosexuality‚ 10(1/2)‚ 1-21.
- Herek‚ G. M. (1986a). The instrumentality of attitudes: Toward a neofunctional theory. Journal of Social Issues‚ 42‚ 99-114.
- Herek‚ G. M. (1986b). On heterosexual masculinity. American Behavioral Scientist‚ 29‚ 563-577.
- Herek‚ G. M. (1987). Can functions be measured? A new perspective on the functional approach to attitudes. Social Psychology Quarterly‚ 50‚ 285-303.
- Herek‚ G. M. (1988). Heterosexuals’ attitudes toward lesbians and gay men: Correlates and gender differences. Journal of Sex Research‚ 25‚ 451-477.
- Herek‚ G. M. (1990). The context of anti-gay violence: Notes on cultural and psychological heterosexism. Journal of Interpersonal Violence‚ 5‚ 316-333.
- Herek‚ G. M. (2002). Gender gaps in public opinion about lesbians and gay men. Public Opinion Quarterly‚ 66‚ 40-66.
- Tureau‚ Zachary L.‚ (2003). College Student Identity and Attitudes Toward Gays and Lesbians. doctoral dissertation‚ University of North Texas.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFI?
A self-report questionnaire to assess the reasons behind someone’s attitudes (why they believe something).
What does it measure?
Four main functions of attitudes: Utilitarian (helps achieve goals), Value-Expressive (reflects core values), Ego-Defensive (protects self-esteem), and Knowledge (helps understand the world).
How is it administered?
Participants complete a questionnaire with statements about a specific attitude and rate how much each statement reflects their reasons for holding that attitude.
Is it reliable and valid?
Generally yes, shows good internal consistency and convergent validity. Limitations: test-retest reliability and oversimplification of attitude functions.
Are there any criticisms?
The four functions might not capture all reasons for attitudes. Self-reporting can be biased (people might not be aware of true motivations).
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