Which of the following is a statement indicative of the F-scale?

The statement that obedience and respect for authority are important virtues aligns well with the characteristics of the F-scale, which measures authoritarian tendencies in personality. The F-scale was developed by Theodor W. Adorno and his colleagues as part of their research into the personality traits that may predispose individuals to fascist ideologies.

This specific viewpoint highlights a belief in strong adherence to authority and traditional power structures, which is central to authoritarian personality theory. People who score high on the F-scale tend to support hierarchical relationships and prioritize obedience to authority figures. Such sentiments reflect a mindset that values order and discipline over individualism and questioning of authority, which is a prominent element of authoritarian ideologies.

In contrast, the other statements oppose or diverge from these authoritarian sentiments. They encourage accountability, diversity of viewpoints, and compassion—values associated with more egalitarian and democratic perspectives. These values promote an openness to critique and a respect for individual perspectives, which often contradict the principles measured by the F-scale.