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Optimistic Pessimistic Attitude Scale

Tanishka Singh

Department of psychology, Fergusson College

PSY3502: Psychology Practical: Tests and Statistical Methods

Dr. Pooja Prabhavalkar

Assignment Due Date: 19/8/23

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PURPOSE OF THE TEST

To assess the attitude of the subject by administering OPAS

CASE HISTORY

The subject was an 18 year old male named Ojas Patne. He is currently pursuing BA majors in

sociology in Fergusson College and is simultaneously completing a psychology course from

IGNOU. He belongs to Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and his hobbies include reading poetry,

listening to western music and singing. He reported that he generally has a more positive outlook

towards life. Although he emphasized on the fact that he tries to be very real and honest with his

expectations. However, sometimes increased expectations lead to self-criticism and then it takes

him towards pessimism. He reported that when faced with average or not so important

difficulties, he takes them as challenges and sees them as opportunities for growth, however a

greater difficulty discourages him. In case of setbacks, he feels discouraged and disheartened but

at the same time he tries to learn from his mistakes and take it in a positive way because he gives

a lot of importance to learning and thus is able to bounce back. However, he reported that in

certain cases he starts to sulk, cry and becomes extremely sad. When there was his psychology

viva in school, he was really well prepared but the viva went really bad and he was stuck in a

vicious cycle of brooding, crying and cribbing about it for a long time. He reported that he has a

tendency of letting out his sadness. In case of decision making, he tends to be more cautious and

considers potential risks involved. He reported that he has a very practical approach towards

decisions and does not intend to take risks in life. He reported that he is very enthusiastic and
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passionate about the things he loves, like music and it really lifts his mood up and he receives his

life in the same way. He reported that he feels gratitude towards everything he has in his life. He

thinks that life is short and rather than complaining about what we don’t have we should always

try to make the most out of it. He perceives his future as uncertain although he thinks that future

has a lot of opportunities for him in store and he hopes to make the most out of them.

INTRODUCTION

i. Define Attitude

An attitude is a state of the mind, a set of views, or thoughts, regarding some topic (called the

‘attitude object’), which have an evaluative feature (positive, negative or neutral quality).

ii. Components of Attitude

It is accompanied by an emotional component, and a tendency to act in a particular way with

regard to the attitude object. The thought component is referred to as the cognitive aspect, the

emotional component is known as the affective aspect, and the tendency to act is called the

behavioural (or conative) aspect. Taken together, these three aspects have been referred to as the

A-B-C components (Affective- Behavioural- Cognitive components) of attitude.

Attitudes are themselves not behaviour, but they represent a tendency to behave or act in certain

ways. They are part of cognition, along with an emotional component, and cannot be observed

from outside

iii. Theories of Attitude

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Three major concepts that draw attention to some important processes in attitude change are

described below:

1.Dissonance Theory- Leon Festinger postulated that we have an inbuilt drive to avoid

dissonance (or views that contradict one another), which is supported by his cognitive dissonance

hypothesis. This is what the idea of cognitive consistency means. When attitudes or behaviors

are incongruous, dissonance results, and this dissonance needs to be addressed. To reduce

dissonance, one of three methods can be used: a) changing one's current beliefs; b) introducing

new views; or c) decreasing the importance of one's existing beliefs.

2. 'P-O-X' triangle, which depicts the relationships between three elements or components of the

attitude, is occasionally used to define Fritz Heider's idea of balance. P stands for the

individual whose attitude is being examined, O for another individual, and X for the subject

matter under study (the attitude object). Another possibility is that all three are actual people.

The fundamental tenet is that if there is an imbalance between the P-O attitude, O-X attitude, and

P-X attitude, an attitude will shift. This is due to the fact that imbalance is uncomfortable

rationally. As a result, the mindset shifts in favor of balance. When the P-O-X triangle's three

sides are all negative or when two of its sides are positive and one is negative, imbalance is

present. When all three sides are positive or when two sides are negative and one side is positive,

there is balance.

Take dowry as an example of an attitude topic (X). Let's say someone (P) has a favorable opinion

of dowry (P-X favorable). P intends to arrange for his son to wed the daughter of a person (O)
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who holds a disapproving opinion about dowries (O-X disapproving). If O first views P

favorably, the situation would be out of balance. P-X and O-P are both positive, but O-X is the

opposite. In other words, the triangle contains one negative and two positives. There is an

imbalance in this circumstance. Therefore, one of the three mindsets will need to alter. The O-X

connection (O starts enjoying dowry as a custom), the O-X relationship (O starts liking dowry as

a custom), or the O-P relationship (O starts disliking P) could all experience this transformation.

In order for the triangle to contain three positive partnerships, or two negative and one positive

relationship, an attitude adjustment will need to occur.

Cognitive consistency is exemplified by balance and cognitive dissonance. Two components,

facets, or parts of the attitude, or attitude system, must be moving in the same direction for there

to be cognitive consistency. Each component ought to make sense in relation to the others. If this

does not occur, the individual feels a certain level of mental unease, or the impression that

"something is not quite right" with the attitude system. Because our cognitive system requires

logical consistency in this situation, some aspects of the attitude system move in the direction of

consistency.

3. Indian psychologist S.M. Mohsin came up with the two-step idea. He asserts that changing

one's attitude involves two processes. The target of change identifies with the source in the initial

stage. The person whose attitude needs to change is referred to as the "target." The individual

through whose influence the change is to occur is the "source." Identification indicates that the

source is liked and respected by the target. He or she positions herself in the target's shoes and

attempts to experience their feelings. The esteem and attraction must be mutual and the source
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must have a favorable attitude toward the target. The source really modifies her or his behavior

toward the attitude object in the second phase to demonstrate an attitude shift. The target exhibits

an attitude change through behavior after observing the source's altered attitude and behavior.

This method of learning involves imitation or observation.

iv. Practical utility of the Attitude test

Practical utilities of the Optimistic-Pessimistic Attitude Scale (OPAS) are as follows:

1. Psychological Evaluation: The scale can be used to evaluate a person's propensity for

optimism and pessimism by psychologists and other mental health practitioners. Knowing

someone's attitudes in these areas might reveal information about their coping mechanisms,

emotional health, and general outlook on life.

2. Research and Studies: The OPAS is frequently used in studies examining the connections

between optimism, pessimism, and different psychological categories. It has been used in

research on, among other things, resilience, quality of life, and mental health coping strategies.

3. Clinical interventions: The OPAS can be used to spot people who have an overly gloomy

outlook, which could be a sign of a negative thought pattern or probable psychiatric issues. The

right interventions and therapeutic techniques can be guided by this identification.

4. Personal Development and Coaching: The OPAS can be used in coaching and personal

development contexts outside of clinical settings to assist people become more self-aware of
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their attitudes and cultivate a more upbeat outlook, which can improve wellbeing and goal

achievement.

5. Education and Career Planning: The scale can be used to identify students or workers who

might have a gloomy attitude on their academic or career prospects in educational and

professional contexts. This awareness can help with specialized support and direction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE TEST

i. Introduction

Author of The Optimistic-Pessimistic Attitude Scale (OPAS) is D.S. Parasar and it was

published in 1998. It is a psychological assessment tool that measures an individual's level of

optimism and pessimism. It is designed to assess the extent to which a person tends to have

positive or negative expectations about the future, events, and outcomes. The scale typically

consists of a series of statements or items to which respondents indicate their level of agreement

or disagreement.

Sub scales

1. Pessimism- it can be described as a tendency to think negatively. A person who is pessimistic

may frequently identify and focus on the negative, or unfavorable, aspects of a situation rather

than concentrating on what is going right.

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2. Optimism- it is a mental attitude characterized by hope and confidence in success and a

positive future. Optimists tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks.

Even the most miserable day holds the promise for them that tomorrow will probably be better.

Scoring

The scale consists of 20 optimistic and 20 pessimistic attitude statements. Give 1 mark for "agree

and 0 for disagree for statements related to optimistic attitudes 0 for "agree" and 1 for "disagree"

for statements related to pessimistic attitudes. Add all the digits.

Attitude statements

Optimistic 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 2

22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 4

pessimistic 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 1

21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 3

Psychometric properties

Reliability

The reliability for this test by K. R. having correlational coefficient 0.62 and this same test

administrated again after the interval of 2 months then value of correlational coefficient is 0.74.

Validity
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The correlation between progressive and optimistic attitude was 0.72 and the correlation between

conservative and pessimistic attitude was 0.68. The correlation coefficient of extroverted

personality and optimistic attitude was 0.80 and the correlation coefficient of introverted

personality and pessimistic attitude was 0.71. Face validity was found to be 0.77. (Number 100)

Norms

OPAS is standardized on college population on gender based.

MATERIAL

1.OPAS Test

2.Test manual

3.Stationary

4.Wooden screen

TEST ADMINISTRATION

The subject was called into the cubicle and the test administrator established rapport with

him/her and took a case history. The subject was given the test booklet to fill out the required

information. The test administrator then read the following instructions aloud as given in the test

booklet. Before permitting the subject to leave the testing room the administrator checked

carefully to see that every question had been marked with one and only one answer.

The test was administered to the subject, responses were scored and the subject’s score was

calculated.
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PRECAUTIONS

1. Instructions were read from the test.

2. Rapport and case history was taken prior to conduction.

3. Informed consent was obtained from the subject.

RESULT TABLE

Title: The subjects score obtained on OPAS

Test factors Raw Interpretation

Scores

Optimism 13 + 8 Average

+Pessimism = 21

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The Optimistic- Pessimistic Attitude Scale was administered to measure the attitude of the

subject who was given the test and his answers were scored.

The Optimistic- Pessimistic Attitude scale is a test for measuring attitude. An attitude is a state of

the mind, a set of views, or thoughts, regarding some topic (called the ‘attitude object’), which

have an evaluative feature (positive, negative or neutral quality).

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The subject who took the test is an 18-year-old male named Ojas Patne. He is currently pursuing

BA majors in sociology in Fergusson College and is simultaneously completing psychology

course from IGNOU. He belongs to Ratnagiri in Maharashtra and his hobbies include reading

poetry, listening to western music and singing.

When the Optimistic- Pessimistic Attitude scale was administered, it was seen that the subject

scored 13 in optimism and 8 in pessimism which adds up to 21 and lies within the average range.

Under the Optimistic- Pessimistic Attitude scale, there are two types of attitude- optimistic and

pessimistic.

Optimism is characterized by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. Optimists

tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks. Even the most miserable

day holds the promise for them that tomorrow will probably be better. The subject reported that

he generally has a more positive outlook towards life. Although he emphasized on the fact that

he tries to be very real and honest with his expectations. However, sometimes increased

expectations lead to self-criticism and then it takes him towards pessimism. He reported that

when faced with average or not so important difficulties, he takes them as challenges and sees

them as opportunities for growth, however a greater difficulty discourages him. In case of

setbacks, he feels discouraged and disheartened but at the same time he tries to learn from his

mistakes and take it in a positive way because he gives a lot of importance to learning and thus is

able to bounce back. However, he reported that in certain cases he starts to sulk, cry and becomes

extremely sad. This shows that he generally feels optimistic but at the same time he tends to get
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discouraged and disheartened as well. His test scores also indicate the same as it is 21 and lies

within the average range. Therefore, the test results are consistent with the case history

information.

Pessimism can be described as a tendency to think negatively. A person who is pessimistic may

frequently identify and focus on the negative, or unfavorable, aspects of a situation rather than

concentrating on what is going right. The subject reported that he has a very practical approach

towards decisions and does not intend to take risks in life. He reported that he is very enthusiastic

and passionate about the things he loves, like music and it really lifts his mood up and he

receives his life in the same way. He reported that he feels gratitude towards everything he has in

his life. He thinks that life is short and rather than complaining about what we don’t have we

should always try to make the most out of it. He perceives his future as uncertain although he

thinks that future has a lot of opportunities for him in store and he hopes to make the most out of

them. Again, all these statements mean that he is rather optimistic about life but at the same time

is practical and pessimistic about certain things. His test scores also indicate the same as it is 21

and lies within the average range. Therefore, the test results are consistent with the case history

information.

CONCLUSION

When OPAS was administered, it was found that the subject was neutral in his attitude towards

everything in general. He was both optimistic and pessimistic at the same time as he scored 21

which lies within the average range and indicates the same. Therefore, the test results were

consistent with the case history information.

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REFERENCES

1. Carver, C. S., Scheier, M. F., & Segerstrom, S. C. (2010). Optimism. Clinical Psychology

Review, 30(7), 879-889

2. Hecht, D. (2013). Optimism and pessimism. In The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Positive

Psychological Interventions (pp. 67-82). Wiley-Blackwell.

3. Robins, R. W. (1988). Explanatory style and depression: Testing a process model of optimism

and pessimism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 55(4), 669-682.

4. Scheier, M. F., & Carver, C. S. (1985). Optimism, coping, and health: Assessment and

implications of generalized outcome expectancies. Health Psychology, 4(3), 219-247.