Work

A new measure of authoritarianism: Development and validation of the Short Modern Comprehensive F Scale in Germany and the U.S.

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Previous research suggests that the concept of Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) may be no longer sufficient to explain attraction to contemporary right-wing movements. Using data from two correlational studies in Germany ( N = 469) and the United States ( N = 314), we developed the 9-item Modern Comprehensive F Scale (MCF-9), integrating all nine facets from the California F Scale ( Adorno et al., 1950 ). Validation criteria included right-wing political and antidemocratic attitudes, antisemitism, xenophobia, and donation preferences. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the one-dimensionality of MCF-9. The scale showed good internal consistency (ω = .87 in Germany; ω = .90 in the U.S.), and had strong positive associations with RWA, and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO). Notably, MCF-9 accounted for additional variance in all validation criteria (up to 17% in Germany; up to 20% in the U.S.) beyond two established RWA scales, positioning it as valuable contemporary measure. Limitations and implications are discussed.

Source: Measurement Instruments for the Social Sciences

DOI: 10.5964/miss.16537

Authors: Alina Sorrentino, Katrin Prott, Lisa Hoffmann, Paula Heidemeyer, Ina Grau, Rainer Banse

Institution: University of Bonn

Language: English

Topic: Social and Intergroup Psychology

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,290

Funder: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn