The presence of authoritarian personality traits among women in different community groups and the exploration into the possibility of improving the measurement of authoritarianism in women

This thesis has explored the relationship between authoritarian personality traits and women who are members of politically active community groups. This study includes a pilot study of attitudes of Ball State University students. The thesis surveyed attitudes of a random sample of Muncie, Indiana residents as well as members of the League of Women Voters of Muncie-Delaware County and women who attended a conference on International Women’s Year.The study,, utilizing a self-administered questionnaire, found the members of the women's groups to be far less authoritarian than the random sample of Muncie residents. The study found, through factor analysis, some indications that the F-Scale was not entirely accurate. A strong "obedience-t" factor of authoritarianism was found which included both F-Scale items and the author’s own items. Further research in this area was urged.Samples of the questionnaire and cover letters were included in the appendices.Thesis (M.A.