Consistency of Factor Structure on the Semantic Differential: An Analysis of Three Adult Samples

Abstract

Piotrowski (1983a, 1984) reported on variance in Osgood's (1957) formulation of three dimensions of semantic space on the semantic differential technique with a fifth grade sample. The current study was concerned with the consistency of factor structure in three adult samples using three different concepts: THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA, DEATH, and MYSELF. Results indicated consistency for the predicted Evaluation dimension (Factor I) and moderate consistency for both Potency and Activity dimensions across the three samples. However, some scales tended to be loaded significantly on more than one factor; this was particularly evident for the Evaluation dimension in that several non-Evaluative scales at times weighted on Factor I. Although the findings indicated a slight increase in factor invariance when compared to Piotrowski's earlier work with children, researchers are still cautioned to subject their semantic differential data to factorial methods so as to enhance the validity of their results.