Attitudes toward Conflict with Authority as a Function of Sex, I-E, and Dogmatism

The results of this study support the utility of desirability judgments as a measure of personality and highlight the paradoxical nature of the dogmatism variable.

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the extent to which Ss' desirability judgments of MMPI “conflict with authority” items would vary as a function of sex and relevant personality variables. Women were more disapproving that men of statements reflecting rebellious attitudes and behavior. Rotter's internal-external locus of control dimension was unrelated to attitudes toward authority. Ss who were low in dogmatism expressed greater respect for authority than Ss who were high in dogmatism. These results highlight the paradoxical nature of the dogmatism variable and support the utility of desirability judgments as a measure of personality.