Attitudes Toward the LOS Church Scale

Abstract

The Attitudes toward the LOS Church Scale is a complex, two-part psychometric instrument developed to quantify the religious attitudes of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) regarding their faith and organizational philosophy. The scale uses a Thurstone-type methodology where item statements are pre-rated for favorability.

Part I consists of 25 items, each containing five distinct statements. Respondents select the statement that best reflects their attitude. Part II includes 50 single-statement items, where respondents check all that apply. All statements are associated with a pre-established scale value ranging from 1 (highly favorable attitude) to 11 (highly unfavorable attitude). Scoring is achieved by calculating the mean of the scale values chosen by the respondent. Lower mean scores indicate more favorable attitudes toward the LDS Church, while higher scores reflect unfavorable attitudes.

Keywords

Attitude measurement, Latter-Day Saints, LDS Church, Religious beliefs, Psychological scale, Attitude assessment, Survey instrument, Religious practices.

Authors

K. R. Hardy

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Attitudes toward the LOS Church Scale is to systematically measure the disposition and adherence of members of the LDS Church toward their church organization and its overarching religious philosophy. Developed in 1949, this scale provides a standardized method for assessing the degree of orthodoxy among members.

The instrument is designed to capture a broad spectrum of religious attitudes, including both beliefs common to most Christian faiths (e.g., belief in God, efficacy of prayer) and attitudes specific to the unique tenets and practices of the LDS Church (e.g., tithing, Word of Wisdom, missionary work).

Construct

The scale measures a composite construct of religious attitude toward the LDS Church, which is broken down into several sub-domains based on item content. These domains include the following components:

• General Religious Beliefs: Seven items address core tenets shared across many Christian traditions, such as belief in God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, immortality, and the power of prayer.
• Specific LDS Beliefs: Twelve items focus exclusively on doctrinal positions unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (e.g., the reality of the preexistence, Joseph Smith’s role as a prophet, and the nature of inspired leadership).
• Specific LDS Practices: Twenty-one items cover adherence to or attitude toward specific church practices and organizations (e.g., missionary work, tithing, temple work, the Word of Wisdom, and auxiliary organizations like the Relief Society and MIA).
• General Institutional Attitudes: Other statements gauge general sentiment regarding the church’s societal role, its influence on individual personality development, and its utility in community life.

Validity

A criterion validity study was conducted by Hardy (1949) using the normative sample of 162 LDS Church members. Participants completed the attitude scale alongside a 26-item questionnaire designed to measure observable behaviors and commitments expected to correlate highly with favorable religious attitudes.

The seven criterion factors used in the validity assessment were: (a) church attendance, (b) attitude toward church leadership, (c) payment of tithing, (d) avoidance of tobacco, (e) avoidance of alcohol, (f) avoidance of tea and coffee (related to the Word of Wisdom), and (g) frequency of prayer. A composite criterion score derived from these factors was correlated with the attitude scale scores. The resulting correlation coefficient was reported as .79, indicating a strong relationship between expressed attitudes and self-reported religious behavior. Hardy noted that this relationship was nonlinear, but concluded that the study provided substantial evidence that the scale measures the intended construct.

Reliability

The scale demonstrates high internal consistency based on data derived from the original normative sample. Reliability was calculated using a split-half method, comparing scores between two halves of the scale. The resulting correlation coefficient, corrected using the Spearman-Brown formula, was reported at .95. This high value suggests excellent reliability and internal consistency for the instrument.

Factor Analysis

The original development of the scale relied on item categorization based on content (general religious beliefs, specific LDS beliefs, and specific LDS practices), supported by judges’ ratings during the standardization process. Formal, modern factor analysis (such as exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis) was not reported in the primary source material. Thus, while the instrument appears multidimensional based on its construction, empirical factor analysis data is unavailable in the published literature.

Instrument

Test Type: Attitude Scale (Thurstone Scaling Method applied to a two-part questionnaire)

Format: Paper-and-pencil measure; self-administered questionnaire.

Language Available: English (Original research).

Population Group: Adult members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church).

Age Group: 15 years and older. Use with individuals under 15 is explicitly cautioned against by the developer.

Population Details: The normative sample consisted of 162 adult members of the LDS Church, recruited via door-to-door solicitation in 1949. The sample was 63% female and 37% male. It is important to note that this sample held extremely favorable attitudes toward the Church, with more than half having mean scale scores of 2.5 or less (on the 1-11 scale), suggesting a highly orthodox group.

Test Methodology: The scale takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Scoring involves calculating the mean of the scale values (1 to 11) associated with the statements selected by the respondent. Interpretive guidelines suggested by Hardy (1949) are:

• 1-2.5: Completely orthodox church member
• 2.5-4.0: Orthodox member with some reservations
• 4.0-6.0: Rather unorthodox, but with favorable leanings
• 6.0 or above: Unorthodox, member in name only

Keywords

Thurstone scaling, Religious attitude, Mormonism, Church practices, Scale development, Attitude measurement, Orthodoxy, Religious behavior.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A

Correspondence Address: N/A

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The scale was developed as part of a Master’s thesis. Formal commercial permissions are generally not required for research instruments of this age and origin, though citation is mandatory. No information regarding user fees is available.

Test Year: 1949

Reference’s

The primary references for the development and validation of the Attitudes toward the LOS Church Scale are:

• Hardy, K. R. (1949). Construction and validation of a scale measuring attitudes toward the LDS church. Unpublished master’s thesis, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
• Shaw, M. E., & Wright, J. M. (1967). Scales for the measurement of attitudes. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Note: Recent Research: No subsequent studies which used the Attitudes toward the LOS Church Scale have been located in the published literature.

Items of the ATTITUDES TOWARD THE LOS CHURCH SCALE

This questionnaire has been prepared for studying the attitudes and beliefs of LOS Church members toward their church and religion. Since we are interested only in your attitude as a member of a group, we prefer that you remain anonymous; so please do not sign your name. Remember that the results of this study will be valuable only insofar as you report your true attitudes. This questionnaire is composed of two sections: one consisting of multiple-choice items, the other made up of single statements.

Section I: Read carefully each of the five statements in the item, then check (x) the statements which best expresses your own attitude. Then go on to the next item. If none of the statements in an item expresses your attitude fairly well, you may leave the item blank, but choose one statement whenever possible.

1. I believe that God hears prayers and may at times act upon them. (2.7) Prayer is a demonstration of one’s ignorance and helplessness. (10.7)

I’m not sure that God answers prayers but praying does a person good. (6.4) I know that God hears and responds to prayers. (1.1)

Prayer is probably just a waste of effort and time. (10.2)

2. I feel that the Church provides only little opportunity for unselfish activity. (8.4)

I feel that the Church provides many excellent opportunities for unselfish activity.(2.2) I feel that the Church provides some fine opportunities for unselfish activity. (2.6)

I feel that the Church provides a few good opportunities for unselfish activity. (5.6) I feel that the Church provides no opportunities for unselfish activity. (9.7)

3. I believe the MIA program is good in general but there are some weak areas. (5.1)

I believe the MIA program is failing to influence and appeal in many respects. (8.0) I believe the MIA program is a complete waste of time and energy. (10.4)

I believe the MIA program is “on the rocks” and needs a complete revision. (9. l) I believe the MIA program is excellent at all age levels. (1.7)

4. I believe strongly in personal immortality: the continued existence of the individual as a separate, distinct being. (l .4)

I have grave doubts about the possibility of personal immortality. (9.4) I am frequently beset with doubts about personal immortality. (7.8)

I am at times beset with doubt about personal immortality. (7.0)

I do not believe in immortality. (10.7)

5. I believe that missionary work is primarily an opportunity to develop the missionary. (5.6)

I believe that missionary work affords a good opportunity to engage in unselfish activity. (2.5)

I believe that missionary work is largely a waste of time.( l0.0)

I believe that missionary work is not much more than an opportunity to travel and meet people. (9.7)

I believe that missionary work is a choice opportunity to serve God and help others. (1.3)

6. I believe that LOS Church members are much poorer neighbors because of the Church’s influence. (l 1)

I believe that LOS Church members are poorer neighbors because of the Church’s influence. (9.9)

I believe that LOS Church members are much better neighbors because of the Church’s influence. (2.3)

I believe that LOS Church members are somewhat better neighbors because of the Church’s influence. (3.7)

I believe that LOS Church members are no better neighbors because of the Church’s influence. (7.8)

7. When other people criticize the Church, I generally strongly defend it. (2.3) When other people criticize the Church, I generally remain silent. (6.7) When other people criticize the Church, I generally passively agree. (8.0)

When other people criticize the Church, I generally join with them in criticism.(9.7) When other people criticize the Church, I generally mildly defend it. (5.3)

8. The good done by the Church is not worth the money and energy spent on it. (9.8) There is much energy and money wasted in the Church, but the good done probably compensates for it. (5.9)

Time and money spent in the Church are a nearly complete waste. (IO. I)

Time and money are nowhere better spent than in the Church. (l.4)

The time and money invested in the Church are probably well spent. (3.7)

9. I feel that the Relief Society is probably a good thing but I am not impressed with it. (6.l)

I feel that the Relief Society is a splendid organization. (2.0)

I feel that the Relief Society is one organization which has little usefulness. (9.3)

I feel that the Relief Society is one of the better auxiliary organizations. (3.2)

I feel that the Relief Society is just a scheme to keep the women from getting dissatisfied with the Church. (9.9)

10. The Word of Wisdom is of little if any practical value. (9.6)

Some of the parts of the Word of Wisdom are good advice, but it certainly is not to be considered a commandment. (6.5)

I believe the Church is absolutely correct in its teachings about the Word of Wisdom. (1.2)

The Word of Wisdom is probably a good thing, but many other things are more important. (5.9)

I believe in the Word of Wisdom, but I think the Church leaders stress it too much. (5.3)

11. I think that the MIA is probably a good thing to have to keep the young people off the streets. (4.4)

I think that the MIA is a Church auxiliary and therefore all those eligible should attend its meetings. (2.6)

I think that the MIA is a fine auxiliary program for those interested in attending. (3.9) I think that the MIA is something to be disregarded. (9.7)

I think that the MIA is not much better than nothing at all. (9.7)

12. I believe that a few of our present leaders are occasionally inspired by God. (5.4)

I believe that our leaders today are generally good men who are directing the affairs of the Church without supernatural aid. (6.5)

I believe that Church leaders were inspired in Joseph Smith’s day but are not any more because of unworthiness. (9.6)

I believe that the Church remains under inspired leadership today. (1.2)

I believe that the Church has never been under inspired leadership. (10.8)

13. In cases where the findings of science seem to conflict with the teachings of the Church, I generally tend to:

favor the Church over scientific findings. (3.8) defend strongly the findings of science. (9.8) defend strongly the Church’s position. (2.4)

favor neither the Church nor science to any extent. (6.1) favor the scientific findings over the Church’s position. (8.8)

14. I feel that I only rarely benefit when I attend Church meetings. (8.1) I feel that I usually benefit when I attend Church meetings. (3.5)

I feel that I benefit occasionally when I attend Church meetings.(5.2) I feel that I never benefit when I attend Church meetings. (9.8)

I feel that I benefit greatly whenever I attend Church meetings. (2.0)

15. I believe that the Church’s method of selecting leaders is excellent. (1.5)

I believe that the Church’s method of selecting leaders is good but could be improved. (5.4)

I believe that the Church’s method of selecting leaders should be entirely revised and a good system substituted for it. (9.7)

I believe that the Church’s method of selecting leaders is unscientific and unfair. (9.8)

I believe that the Church’s method of selecting leaders is fair but could be greatly improved. (6.1)

16. I believe that the teachings of the Church have neither helped nor hindered me to any extent in enjoying life. (6.3)

I believe that the teachings of the Church have hindered me to an appreciable extent from enjoying life. (9.7)

I believe that the teachings of the Church have greatly hindered me from enjoying life. (10.0)

I believe that the teachings of the Church have helped me to an appreciable extent in enjoying life. (2.7)

I believe that the teachings of the Church have helped me tremendously in enjoying life. (1.7)

17. On the whole, I believe the missionary program is a stupid waste of time and money. (10.7)

On the whole, I believe the missionary program is excellently conceived and carried out. (1.9)

On the whole, I believe the missionary program is falling down in spots but is generally progressing well. (5.4)

On the whole, I believe the missionary program is not doing nearly as well as it should.

(8.1)

On the whole, I believe the missionary program is largely wasted effort. (9.9)

18. My attitude toward the Church is passive, with some tendency to disfavor it. (8.1) I have little but contempt for the Church. (10.9)

The Church is probably a good thing, but I’m not able to get interested in it. (6.4) I believe that the Church is the most important organization in the world. (1.1)

I believe that the Church is one of our most important organizations. (2.9)

19. I continually receive inspiration from our Church leaders to lead a better daily life. (1.8) I often am inspired to improve my daily behavior by the messages of our Church leaders. (2.3)

I feel that the leaders of the Church do not deal with the practical problems of life. (8.4) I feel that the Church authorities deal too infrequently with life’s practical problems. (8.0)

I feel that the Church leaders should spend a greater part of their time dealing with life’s practical problems. (6.4)

20. I believe that the Church wastes much of its money. (9.2)

I believe that the Church makes only fair use of its money. (6.7) I believe that the Church makes excellent use of its money. (2.1)

I believe that the Church generally makes good use of its money. (3.7) I believe that the Church wastes most of its money. (10.0)

21. I feel that the Church has an excellent program for satisfying the needs of its members. (1.9)

I feel that the Church has only a fair program for satisfying the needs of its members. (6.6)

I feel that the Church in general satisfies well the needs of its members. (3.0)

I feel that the Church has a very poor program for satisfying the needs of its members. (9.8)

I feel that the Church has a fairly good program for satisfying the needs of its members.

(4.2)

22. When other people argue favorably for the Church, I usually strongly disagree. (10.4) When other people argue favorably for the Church, I usually passively agree with them. (5.4)

When other people argue favorably for the Church, I usually remain silent. (6.3)

When other people argue favorably for the Church, I usually join actively with them. (3.3) When other people argue favorably for the Church, I usually mildly disagree. (8.2)

23. I feel that the tolerance and love fostered by the Church probably balances the intolerance fostered. (6.0)

I feel that the Church greatly fosters intolerance and bigotry on the part of the members. (10.4)

I feel that the Church greatly fosters an attitude of love and good will toward nonmembers. (2.2)

I feel that the tolerance and love fostered by the Church is outweighed by the intolerance and bigotry fostered. (8.8)

I feel that the Church on the whole fosters tolerance and love, but at times fosters intolerance and bigotry. (6.5)

24. I have strong doubts about the reality of the preexistence. (9.7) The reality of the preexistence seems impossible. (10.1)

I believe strongly in the reality of the preexistence but occasionally have doubts. (4.5) The reality of the preexistence seems highly improbable to me. (9.8)

I believe wholeheartedly in the reality of the preexistence. (1.2)

25. I feel that the Church is greatly declining in influence upon its membership. (8.6) I feel that the Church is gaining greatly in influence upon its membership. (2.4)

I feel that the Church is measurably declining in influence upon its membership. (8.6)

I feel that the Church is not measurably gaining or declining in influence on its membership. (6.2)

I feel that the Church is gaining in influence on its membership to a certain degree. (4.2)

Section II: In this section, check (x) each statement that expresses your attitude or position fairly well.

1. I believe that Joseph Smith was an inspired prophet of God. (1.1)
2. I believe that the Church is probably justified in denying the Priesthood to the Negroes. (3.4)
3. I believe most of the Church’s teachings, but I have doubts about some. (5.7)
4. I believe that the Church has hindered me to some extent from developing my personality. (8.9)
5. I would prefer that my child marry outside the Church. (10.6)
6. I believe that temple work is a fairly important work in the Church. (5.4)
7. I doubt very seriously the existence of God. (10.6)
8. I believe that a couple should generally marry in the temple from the start, but in many cases should marry in the temple later on after trying out civil marriage. (5.4)
9. I believe that the General Authorities are inspired whenever they speak in their capacities, and that the substance of their remarks is binding upon the Church. (1.4)
10. I believe that tithing should be paid only by the more well-to-do members to keep the Church going. (8.4)
11. I believe that a couple should unquestionably marry in the temple when they first marry. (1.4)
12. Too much time is spent on theology and history in our meetings. (7.5)
13. I have a testimony of a sort about the divinity of the Church. (6.2)
14. I feel that the teachings of the Church have helped me to some extent in understanding life. (3.9)
15. I have strong doubts about the possibility of the reuniting of spirit and body. (9.4)
16. The Church asks its members for too much money. (8.6)
17. I would slightly prefer my child to marry in the Church. (5.3)
18. I feel that the Church has hindered me greatly from developing my personality. (10.2)
19. I believe that Joseph Smith actually saw the Father and the Son in a vision. (1.1)
20. On the whole, the Church members are happier people than they would be if they did not belong. (3.1)
21. My belief in God is quite strong, but sometimes I have doubts about His existence. (6.0)
22. I believe that tithing is necessary and that nearly everyone should pay some tithing. (2.5)
23. Our religion has some importance to me, but other things are more important. (7.2)
24. I believe all the teachings of the Church. (1.2)
25. I believe that marriage in the temple is little if any better than civil marriage. (9.6)
26. I would definitely prefer my child to marry in the Church. (2.1)
27. I have a fairly strong testimony of the divinity of the Church, but occasionally have my doubts. (4.7)
28. I believe that the Church is probably not justified in denying the Priesthood to the Negroes. (8.9)
29. I believe that tithing is a useless waste of money. (10.6)
30. I’m not against the Church, but I often can’t agree with its leaders. (6.5)
31. I believe that Joseph Smith was a good man with some excellent ideas. (4.0)
32. I believe that a couple should regard temple marriage as a superfluous thing. (10.2)
33. I believe that the body we lay down at death is resurrected. (1.5)
34. I believe the plan of salvation in general, but find it hard to believe some details of the plan. (6.1)
35. Our religion may be important to some, but it is not particularly important to me. (7.6)
36. I am not sure what kind of body we will have when resurrected. (6.3)
37. We have too many sermons in our meetings. (7.7)
38. I believe that Joseph Smith led many people astray by his false doctrines. (10.8)
39. I feel that the Church has helped me to some extent in developing my personality. (4.1)
40. I believe that all eligible Mormon youth should marry in the temple. (1.3)
41. I believe that Joseph Smith’s “vision” was simply a deliberate lie to further the ends of a desperate man. (10.9)
42. I have an unshakeable testimony of the divinity of the Church. (1.1)
43. I believe that the General Authorities are never inspired but pool their ideas in deciding the course of the Church. (10.0)
44. I believe wholeheartedly in the principle of tithing. (1.2)
45. I believe in only a few of the Church’s teachings. (8.3)
46. I feel that the teachings of the Church have hindered me to some extent from understanding life. (8.7)
47. I believe that our religion is the most important thing in life. (1.1)
48. I believe that Joseph Smith was inspired by God at times and led a good life. (3.9)
49. I do not know whether or not the Church is justified in denying the Priesthood to the Negroes. (6.3)
50. About the only value of temple work is that it keeps some of the old folks occupied. (10.1)

Note: Scale values of each item are indicated in parentheses following that item and should not appear on the inventory when administered.