Explain how to use the Bogardus Social Distance Scale to measure whether people feel more socially distant from ex-mental hospital patients or heroin addicts.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is The Bogardus Social Distance Scale is a tool used to measure the level of social distance that individuals feel towards specific groups of people. To use this scale to measure whether people feel more socially distant from ex-mental hospital patients or heroin addicts, you would first need to create a survey or questionnaire that includes the specific groups in question.

The survey would present participants with a series of scenarios or statements related to interacting with ex-mental hospital patients and heroin addicts, and ask them to indicate their level of comfort or willingness to engage with each group. For example, participants could be asked to rate their willingness to have a close friend who is an ex-mental hospital patient or a heroin addict, or their comfort level with having a family member marry someone from each group.

Participants would then use the Bogardus Social Distance Scale to rate their feelings of social distance towards each group, typically using a 7-point scale ranging from "willingness to have close relationships" to "complete avoidance." The responses would be tallied and analyzed to determine the level of social distance felt towards ex-mental hospital patients and heroin addicts.

By comparing the average scores for each group, researchers can determine whether people feel more socially distant from ex-mental hospital patients or heroin addicts. This information can provide valuable insights into societal attitudes and perceptions towards these specific groups, which can be used to inform interventions and policies aimed at reducing stigma and promoting social inclusion.

Explain How to Use the Bogardus Social Distance Scale to Measure