Does the DOG Scale Measure Dogmatism? Another Look at Construct Validity

The author addressed the construct validity of B. Altemeyer's (1996) Dogmatism (DOG) scale. Confirmatory factor analyses of the scale provided evidence of uni-dimensionality, despite apparent method effects related to item wording. DOG scale scores correlated strongly and positively with the belief that knowledge is certain, providing convergent validity evidence for the measure. Scores on the DOG scale appeared empirically distinguishable from measures of need for cognition, need for structure, and need to evaluate. Criterion-related validity evidence came in the form of theoretically predictable relationships between the DOG scale and measures of religious fundamentalism, quest orientation, national identification, conservative ideology, dangerous world beliefs, and reactions to individuals and groups who hold worldview-incongruent beliefs and values.

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