Religious Correlates of Hogan's Survey of Ethical Attitudes

Abstract

The scores of 102 undergraduates on Hogan's Survey of Ethical Attitudes were correlated with an author-devised measure of religious identification, religious upbringing, political attitudes, and socioeconomic background. Personality traits as assessed by the 16 PF were also measured. A factor analysis of questionnaire and personality variables produced factor scores which were then used in a multiple regression to predict survey scores. The best predictor of a moral positivist stance was a factor of current church affiliation combined with a conscientious personality. The second strong factor predicting moral positivism was a factor including a conservative political attitude combined with a well-to-do family background. Weaker predictors of moral positivism were an emotionally stable personality and an upbringing with less emphasis on religion.