A three-item semantic differential scale assessing a person's perception of a target individual's body size relative to themselves. Items capture perceptions across the overweight-underweight, obese-thin, and heavier-thinner dimensions in comparative terms. Designed as a manipulation check for body size stimuli in experimental research, the scale measures perceived relative body size rather than absolute body size estimation, making it appropriate for designs that manipulate social comparison targets or model body types.
7-point semantic differential
Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.
Two reliability estimates: α = .76 (Study 1) and α = .84 (Study 2) — McFerran et al. (2010). The Study 1 estimate falls below the .80 threshold; the scale is included on the basis of the Study 2 estimate and its successful use as a manipulation check in both studies. VALIDITY: Used as a manipulation check in both studies, successfully confirming body size manipulations — providing limited concurrent validity evidence. NOTE: Items are relative (comparing the target to the respondent — 'compared to me') and framing should make the comparison target explicit. Item 3 ('much heavier / much thinner') is explicitly comparative. Researchers using the scale for purposes other than manipulation checks should validate the scale in a non-experimental context before drawing substantive conclusions.
McFerran, Brent, Darren W. Dahl, Gavan J. Fitzsimons, and Andrea C. Morales (2010). I'll have what she's having: Effects of social influence and body type on the food choices of others. Journal of Consumer Research, 36(6), 915–929.
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