The effects of labels on reported attitudes toward persons with handicapping conditions

Research indicates that the use of labels may influence attitude measurement. Profiles describing four real and one fictional handicapping condition were distributed to 140 university students. The profiles were presented in one of two forms, either with or without an identifying label. Subjects viewed one randomly selected profile then filled out a twelve item label-free questionnaire followed by the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale. Results indicate that labelling had a negative influence on three of twelve questions for the "Mentally Retarded" group, and a positive influence on four of twelve questions for the "Dyslexia" group. A significant difference was also found between profiles on the questionnaire, but no significant differences were found on the ATDP scale. Results and implications for the use of labels in attitude research are discussed, and a direction for further research suggested.