The Relationship Between Dogmatism Scores and Performance Ratings Among Adult Educators

Abstract

As a part of a larger research undertaking concerned with identify ing variables which contribute to high performance among adult educators, particularly Extension personnel, this study was ad dressed to an examination of the relationship between dogmatism (open-closed-mindedness) and job performance. Data were col lected by mail questionnaires from 486 out of 503 (96.6%) county Extension workers with major responsibility for adult education programs in agriculture in five states. Dogmatism was measured by the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale (Form E) included in the ques tionnaire. Performance was determined by supervisor ratings using the paired comparison technique.

The data revealed a slight negative relationship (gamma = -.19) between dogmatism and performance. This relationship was affected by the age and level of education of the respondents. Open-minded agents tended to be rated higher in performance than the close-minded.

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