Kilpatrick & Cantril (1960): study US 1955

Publication

Author(s):

Kilpatrick, F.P.; Cantril, H.

Title:

Self-Anchoring Scaling: A Measure of Individuals' Unique Reality Worlds.

Source:

Journal of Individual Psychology, 1960, Vol. 16, 158 - 173

Investigation

Public

Adults, general public, USA, 195?

Sample

Non-probability purposive sample

Respondents

N = 100

Non Response

Assessment

Interview: face-to-face

Happiness Measure(s) and Distributional Findings

Full text:

Self report on single question:

Here is ladder representing the 'ladder of life'. Let's suppose the top of the ladder represents the best possible life for you; and the bottom, the worst possible life for you. On which step of the ladder do you feel you personally stand at the present time?
10 best possible
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 worst possible life

This question was followed (not preceded) by items on life 5 years ago and 5 years from now.

Classification:

C-BW-c-sq-l-11-c

Observed distribution

Summary Statistics

On original range 0 - 10 On range 0-10

Mean:

6.56 6.56

SD:

- -

Correlational Findings

Author's label Subject Description Finding Categories of adult Americans Ethnic status in the USA
Being a farmer
Ever migrated or not
Current occupation