An Application of a Computerized Fuzzy Graphic Rating Scale to the Psychological Measurement of Individual Differences

This paper aims to outline and evaluate a new approach to measurement within psychology. A computerized fuzzy graphic rating scale which is an extension of a semantic differential is described. The scale allows respondents to provide an imprecise rating and lends itself to analysis using fuzzy set theory. Respondents rated nine occupational stimuli, carefully chosen to represent three levels of prestige (Daniel, 1983) and three levels of sex-type (Shinar, 1975), eight fuzzy graphic rating scales (5 for prestige and 3 for sex-type). A single expected value was calculated for the fuzzy ratings of the occupations to permit correlations with the a priori values for the nine occupations. Various combinations of scales were obtained by forming the union of individual fuzzy ratings. Expected values based on combined scales were calculated and the results were also correlated with the a priori Daniel and Shinar scale values. Potential applications of the fuzzy graphic rating scale are outlined.

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