Our research project emit five hypotheses that will be tested through both correlational and experimental studies:
Hard to be a Hero
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| Hypotheses | |
|---|---|
| H1 | Heroised groups are recipients of symbolic and material gratitude |
| H2 | Heroised groups are shielded from criticism |
| H3 | Heroised groups are less likely to receive support if they are the instigators of the demands |
| H4 | Heroised groups are less likely to be perceived as victims when suffering |
| H5 | Heroised groups are less likely to be perceived as villains when breaking regulations |
Collective Heroism Perception scale development
We developed a questionnaire designed to measure all key variables outlined in our hypotheses.
Data and material associated with the full process of scale development is available online on OSF.
The development of the scale followed four phases described below.
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Phase 1: Initial items pool development
An initial pool of 82 items was generated in February 2025.
Phase 2: Construct validity assessment
A group of 5 experts in moral psychology and heroism study was consulted to provide feedback on the relevance of our items in measuring the target outcomes. Their feedback resulted in a 66-item questionnaire. This phase was completed in March 2025.
Phase 3: Face validity assessment
A group of 20 naive UK residents evaluated the clarity of each item of the 66-items version of the scale. Their feedback led to a 54-item questionnaire. See Detailed Report on the Face validity assessment. This protocol was completed in April 2025.
Ethics: ID 202517441056499963 (Approved Apr 8, 2025)
Phase 4: Reliability and Structure assessment
We asked 440 participants (representative UK sample) to complete the 54-item questionnaire. We then assessed the reliability (i.e., MacDonald’s omega) and the structure of the survey using Exploratory Factor Analyses. This Questionnaire assessment was registered. Our analyses led to a 21-item final scale that will be used for our research project. See Detailed Report on the Reliability and Structure assessment. This study was completed in May 2025.
Ethics: ID 202517473026909997 (Approved May, 15, 2025)