The comparison of two methods of assessing fear and avoidance behavior

Abstract

The present study evaluated: (a) the reliability of two fear-assessment techniques [Lang and Lazovik's (1963) approach test and Levis' (1969) phobic test apparatus]; (b) test-retest changes in those measures; and, (c) the sensitivity of response latency as a fear measure, as a function of the two methods of assessing fear. Forty-eight college females were exposed to one of four test-retest snake-exposure conditions: repeated testing on the phobic test apparatus, repeated testing on the traditional approach test, and counterbalanced testing on both test methods. The results indicated (a) equally reliable measurements in all four groups on approach and pulse rate scores, (b) equivalent repeated-testing changes in avoidance behavior, pulse rate, and self-reported fear, and (c) discrimination of touch and no-touch Ss on the basis of response latency in both test methods.