Indexical Authenticity Evidence

What it measures

Three items measure how strongly a person views an object or artefact as authenticating proof of a specific person's or event's existence — functioning as physical evidence of something real, rather than merely resembling it. Rooted in the indexical dimension of authenticity.

Response format

7-point Likert (1=strongly disagree, 7=strongly agree)

Scale items

• It is almost like proof that __________ really existed.
• It helped me to believe some facts about __________.
• It is almost like verification that __________ really existed.

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Developed through multiple rounds of item generation and purification. The scale specifically operationalises indexical authenticity — proof of real existence — as distinct from iconic authenticity (resemblance). Blanks should be filled with the name of the character, person, or event whose existence the objects are meant to evidence.

Citation

Grayson, K., & Martinec, R. (2004). Consumer perceptions of iconicity and indexicality and their influence on assessments of authentic market offerings. Journal of Consumer Research, 31(September), 296–312.

Keywords