Using Adverbs as Multipliers in Semantic Differentials

Attitude Measurement by Semantic Differential on a Bipolar Scale

“…Wells and Smith (3) found that nonverbal and verbal (adverb) responses predicted the same results, but that adverb format was preferable when the raters using semantic differentials were not adept at abstractions. Other research by Allison (1) indicated a slight tendency for users of adverb scales to select extreme responses. The present study re-examines some of these issues but goes beyond previous research by using comparison factor analyses to examine the basic theoretical objectives raised by Osgood (2) to adverb scales.…”

Developmental study of the meaning of adverbial modifiers.

“…The two reversals are pairs of adverbs that are extremely close in meaning as evidenced by the similarity in magnitude of the scale values. Allison (1963) showed the importance of the study of adverb meaning by applying Cliff's results to semantic differential methodology. Allison attempted to increase the range of scale values by identifying scale end points with adverbs of high modification.…”