Psy/475
April 7, 2013
Attitude Survey
How an individual dresses impacts how he or she is perceived in the eyes of others. Often times, the way an individual appears in public leaves him or her open to becoming labeled either favorably or unfavorably. Members of society will often judge an individual’s appearance therefore denying any opportunity to know the “inner person.” In today’s society, some of the socially acceptable ways to dress seem to include wearing pajamas in public venues, wearing revealing outfits, and wearing pants so low that one’s underwear is clearly visible. The contents of this paper discuss attitudes and whether or not wearing such outfits is acceptable in society, in workplaces, and in schools. …show more content…
Topic Relevance With every decade come changes in social attitudes along with changing clothing styles. An individual could look back through history and observe young adults in the 1950s dressed in tailored suits, long skirts, classic styles, and much more modesty (Klien, 2008). Although styles were modest, people began to slowly change their perspectives on what was considered beautiful or acceptable. Throughout the 60s and 70s, young adults began to think more outside the box. During this time, music groups greatly influenced the young generation’s choice in clothing and freedom of speech. Young adults began to dress in more provocative styles, sometimes baring more skin and leaving a little less to the imagination. Although not as provocative as today’s society, the 60s propelled fashion in a new direction and became an influence on generations yet to come. In today’s society, many people find that wearing clothing in public venues that was once offensive, sloppy, or revealing to be socially acceptable. Today, many people view wearing pajamas out in public as comfortable, baring midriffs as beautiful, and sagging pants as a sign of solidarity and freedom. In today’s society, one can find an example of individuals wearing clothes in ways that once were unfashionable and unacceptable almost anywhere. Simply by sitting in a public park or visiting a shopping mall and observing people for an hour will give one a glimpse of today’s “fads.” The media also has an effect on society. For example, women on television are often viewed baring their midriffs or wearing revealing clothing. Such images therefore give society the impression that such ways of dressing are not only appropriate but also appealing to the opposite sex and ideal standards for appearance (Want, Vickers, & Amos, 2008). On the other hand, popular social media websites such, as People of Walmart depict individuals seen shopping at Walmart as inappropriately dressed, unappealing, and lazy.
What is an attitude?
Psychologists define an attitude as an opinion or belief, feelings, and behaviors about a group of individuals, objects, or situations (Culbertson, 1968). In addition, an attitude can be either positive or negative; for or against someone or something. Hogan (2007) explains that “there are a virtually unlimited number of attitudes.” Therefore, measuring attitudes plays an important role in social psychology. Several methods of measuring attitudes are available to help gain insight on various opinions, feelings, and behaviors.
Preliminary Design The purpose of a survey conducted on today’s style of clothing is to gain insight from various groups of people to measure acceptance levels. Because the topic covers a large area of clothing preferences, it was a challenge to figure out the best way to administer the survey. It has been decided that the survey is most useful in school systems and as part of a pre-employment screenings. In schools, the survey could help schools determine if a student dress code or uniform policy is needed. As part of a pre-employment test, employers may gain insight on a perspective employee’s level of professionalism. Special accommodations for individuals taking this survey are not a necessity. The researcher has made the decision to use a Likert-type scale for this survey. Because the survey involves questions pertaining to three different styles of clothing, questions are limited to 10 as a means of keeping the participant’s interest.
Administering, Scoring, and Interpretation Hogan (2007) explains that responses should be given on a “five-point scale: strongly agree, agree, uncertain or neutral, disagree, strongly disagree.” Responses to survey questions will be scored by positive numbers 1-5; the number 1 will stand for “strongly disagree” and numbers will increase to 5 as “strongly agree.” It has been decided that this survey will be administered to parents of school children via e-mail or letter.
This will allow parents to have some privacy and alleviate any anxiety that may be caused by judgment from other parents. The survey will also include an introduction letter informing parents of the purpose of the survey and will include a date in which the survey must be returned. Once surveys are gathered, they will be scored and interpreted by non-biased …show more content…
volunteers.
Conclusion
Over the last several decades, the way people appear in public venues has changed dramatically, and so have the attitudes about one’s appearance. Some people are opposed to wearing or appearing in public venues in revealing, offensive, or sloppy clothing. There are also people who believe that they can dress in ways they feel most comfortable or appealing. A Likert-type scale can be used to help school systems and work places decide what is appropriate for their students or workforce. Although this is a broad subject, few problems arise with this type of survey and not many responses are needed to respond thoroughly to the survey questions.
Resources
Culbertson, H.
(1968). What is an attitude? The Journal of Cooperative Extension: 79-84. Retrieved on April 5, 2013 from http://www.joe.org/joe/1968summer/1968-2-a2.pdf.
Hogan, T. P. (2007). Psychological testing: A practical introduction (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Klein, M. (2008). The Rise to Prominence of British Fashion the 1960’s: Economic, Cultural, and Political Foundations. Retrieved on April 6, 2013 from http://www.stanford.edu/group/journal/cgi-bin/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/09.
Want, S., Vickers, K., & Amos, J. (2008). The influence of television programs on appearance satisfaction: making and mitigating social comparisons to “Friends”. Sex Roles. 60: 642- 655. Retrieved on April 6, 2013 from EBSCOhost.
Appearance Survey
Please choose the most appropriate number of each statement which corresponds most closely to your desired response.
A rule or law to ban sagging pants is a waste of time and tax payer money. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
People who do not wear their pants above their hips make bad
employees. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
Girls who wear midriff shirts and short-shorts must have high self-esteem. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
People who work full time and are required to wear uniforms should be allowed to wear pajamas in public on their days off. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
All people who wear sagging pants cannot be trusted. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
People that wear their pajamas in public do not care about their personal image. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
Girls who have bare midriffs and wear short-shorts are entitled to show off their bodies however they wish, regardless of body shape and age. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
People who wear pajamas in public must have low self-esteem. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
People who sag their pants would make good leaders based on their defiant nature. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree
Mothers who purchase midriff shirts and short-shorts for their daughters are not concerned with the attention that their children will receive.
1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Undecided/Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree