A New Measure of Authoritarianism: Development and Validation of the Short Modern Comprehensive F Scale in Germany and the U.S.

Authors

  • Alina Sorrentino Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
  • Katrin Prott Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
  • Lisa Hoffmann Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
  • Paula Heidemeyer Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
  • Ina Grau Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
  • Rainer Banse Orcid
    Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

Abstract

Previous research suggests that the concept of Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) may be no longer sufficient to explain attraction to contemporary right-wing movements. Using data from two correlational studies in Germany (N = 469) and the United States (N = 314), we developed the 9-item Modern Comprehensive F Scale (MCF-9), integrating all nine facets from the California F Scale (Adorno et al., 1950). Validation criteria included right-wing political and antidemocratic attitudes, antisemitism, xenophobia, and donation preferences. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the one-dimensionality of MCF-9. The scale showed good internal consistency (ω = .87 in Germany; ω = .90 in the U.S.), and had strong positive associations with RWA, and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO). Notably, MCF-9 accounted for additional variance in all validation criteria (up to 17% in Germany; up to 20% in the U.S.) beyond two established RWA scales, positioning it as valuable contemporary measure. Limitations and implications are discussed.