What's new in self-esteem and a book of scales.
maxwell gwynn f
psychology:
There is an excellent compendium that I quite often use as a
starter when I'm dealing with the measurement of psychological
constructs. It's called Measures of Personality and Social Psychological
Attitudes, edited by John P. Robinson, Phillip R. Shaver, and Lawrence S.
Wrightsman (1991) published by Academic Press. It has 12 chapters, each
authored by a respected researcher in the area (e.g., Paulhus,
Wrightsman, Leary, Lefcourt), and each
dealing with a particular construct (response bias, subjective
well-being, self-esteem [Shelley take note!], social anxiety and shyness,
depression and loneliness, alienation and anomie, interpersonal trust and
attitudes toward human nature, locus of control, authoritarianism and
related constructs, sex roles, and values). Each chapter begins by
outlining the construct and discussing the strengths, weaknesses, and
applications for each of a number of scales which purport to measure that
construct (e.g., Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Janis-Field Feelings of
Inadequacy Scale, Coopersmith Self-Esteem inventory, Texas Social
Behavior Inventory, and Ziller Social Self-Esteem Scale plus 6 other
self-concept type scales). For each scale, the author of the chapter
presents information on its original location, a quick
description of the scale, the sample from which the original scale was
obtained, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent and
discriminant reliability, use of the scale, and its relative strengths
and weaknesses. Many scale descriptions include the actual items,
response alternatives, and scoring criteria. Most chapters
end off with the author's ideas about future research
directions. In sum, a must-have text for anyone doing research in
personality or social psychology. It is subtitled Volume 1 in Measures
of Social Psychological Attitudes Series. I eagerly await Volume 2.
I obtained my copy at a substantial discount by ordering it
through the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, (Box
1248, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1248; (313) 662-9130, Fax (313) 662-5607).
Trial one-year memberships are cheap (about $10 for students) and more
than cover the discount you'll get on the Robinson text. Address
membership queries to Carolyn Gasnier, Membership Secretary, SPSSI
Central Office, at the above address. The cost of the text itself is:
Hardback - $115 Member price $92
Softback - $59.95 Member price $47.96 prices as of winter 1994 catalogue.
While I have the catalogue in front of me, let me recommend a second book
sponsored (?) by SPSSI. It's another must-have, IMO, for those grad
students who plan to enter academia when their PhD days are in the past.
It's Zanna & Darley's (1987) The Compleat Academic. It has excellent
info on the job search process, what to do when applying for positions,
tips for the interviews you hope to land, advice for junior faculty
members, etc. A terrific resource for all newbie academics and
academic-wanna-be's. And a terrific value at just $14.95 (Member price
$11.96).
These two books are among my most often referred to texts, and
each would make a great early Xmas present to yourself! Sorry for the
length of this post (particularly from a non-grad student (I'm an ex)),
but I think it's well worth your grad-student-time to check into these
sources. By the way, I have no financial affiliation with the Society or
the editors of either book :) !
-Max
Maxwell Gwynn mgw...@mach1.wlu.ca
Department of Psychology (519) 884-0710 ext 3854
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3C5