Strongly worded survey items correlate no better than mild ones

Evidence

The modifications produced no change in the mean interitem correlations of the two versions, which was . in each case. Nor did the correlation with RWA scores differ (. and .64). Thus I was wrong. Extreme items did not interconnect better than milder statements. But neither does strong wording seem to hurt much. — Bob Altemeyer, The Authoritarian Specter, 828

Categorization

• XREF: Relates to the researcher’s broader theme of disciplined self-correction, echoing Altemeyer’s practice of directly testing his own assumptions throughout the book. — connects to: Survey self-reports wildly overstate environmental organization membership — Robert D. Putnam, Bowling Alone The Collapse and Revival…, 2057