A Factor Structure and Psychometric Evaluationof the Hunter Cynicism Scale

摘要

George Hunter developed a scale for measuring cynicism, the Hunter Cynicism Scale (HCS) which appears in a book edited by Wrightsman, Batson, and Edkins (2004). No psychometric data was given for this scale. The current study attempts to establish psychometric properties for the scale so it can possibly be used in current research projects that require the measurement of cynicism. The 40-item instrument was subjected to an item analysis, Cronbach's reliability analysis, and factor analysis. Additionally, the HCS was correlated to the Trust vs. Defensiveness subscale of the Comrey Personality Scales (CPS) and a 4-item measure within that subscale that measures the lack of cynicism (Comrey, 1970). The two measures were administered to 185 participants at two public California universities. Using Cronbach's reliability coefficient, the HCS was found to have a reliability of 0.81. Item analyses were performed and 35 out of the 40 items had a statistically significant (p < .05) correlation with the total scale score. The Cronbach reliability for the 35 item scale was .84. The factor analysis of the 35-item revised HCS yield 5 factors. Both the 40-item and 35-item HCS were significantly correlated to the Trust vs. Defensiveness scale and to the 4-item lack of cynicism measure. This research shows that this instrument can be used for current research purposes where a measure of cynicism is desired.