Foundations for an interpersonal uncertainty construct and the relationships among attitude similarity, uncertainty and attraction /

Abstract

The newly developed Interpersonal Uncertainty Scale then was employed in an experimental study in an effort to (1) provide support for the construct validity of the scale and (2) assess the potential of uncertainty as a candidate for mediation in the attitude similarity-attraction relationship. Results of the study partially supported the reliability and validity of the scale, although problems inherent to the study made the findings difficult to interpret. The findings are discussed in light of four major validity issues and their pertinence to this study.

The focus of this investigation was on the construction and validation of an uncertainty instrument and on its subsequent ability to address the relationships among attitude similarity, uncertainty and attraction. In order to construct the Interpersonal Uncertainty Scale, 65 items were generated from current conceptualizations of uncertainty in the literature and were presented to subjects across four levels of attitude similarity. Attitude similarity was operationalized through the use of a bogus stranger questionnaire. The results of a principle components analysis revealed the existence of a single ten-item factor which tapped both the dimensions of perceived ability to predict and explain others' behaviors, values, attitudes, beliefs, etc.