Evidence of method effects in the authoritarianism-conservatism-traditionalism scales

Right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) is notoriously complex, multifaceted, and difficult to measure as a psychological construct. Recently, Duckitt et al. developed the ACT scales, offering theoretical refinement of the RWA construct. Although the validity of the ACT scales had been supported by a considerable body of research, shortcomings in previous analyses cannot rule out the existence of possible method effects. In the present research, we sought to test for the presence of such effects in a representative community sample of adults in Singapore (N = 738). We re-evaluated the factor structure of the ACT scales by assessing four separate models using an item-based approach in our confirmatory factor analyses. Results found significant method effects associated with both the pro-trait and con-trait items in the ACT scales. The implications of these results and possible strategies for controlling method effects in the ACT scales are discussed.

Automated summary

Right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) is a complex psychological construct, and the ACT scales developed by Duckitt et al. aimed to refine its measurement. While the validity of the ACT scales has been supported, previous analyses had limitations that could not rule out method effects. This research tested for method effects in a representative community sample in Singapore and found significant effects associated with both positive and negative trait items in the ACT scales. The implications of these results and strategies for controlling method effects are discussed.