A Neuro-Fuzzy Approach to Measuring Attitudes

Abstract

The present paper deals with the application of neuro-fuzzy techniques to the measurements of attitudes. The methodology used is illustrated and evaluated on data drawn from a large-scale survey conducted by the National Centre of Social Research of Greece, in order to investigate opinions, attitudes and stereotypes towards the “other” foreigner. The illustration provides a meaningful way of classifying respondents into xenophobic levels, taking also into account other important socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, education, gender, political beliefs, religion practice and the way each question is answered by the respondent. Moreover, the methodology provides a way of classifying respondents whose responses are identified as questionable.