Final answer:
Adorno et al. developed the concept of the authoritarian personality, measured along three dimensions: conventionalism, authoritarian aggression, and authoritarian submission, using a tool known as the F scale. They looked to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to undemocratic forms of governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The work of Adorno and his colleagues focused on the authoritarian personality, a theoretical construct that was meant to explain why some people are more susceptible to anti-democratic or fascist forms of government. The F scale assesses the individual's level of authoritarianism and tendency to submit to authority figures. The M scale measures the level of masculinity or femininity in an individual's personality. The C scale gauges the individual's level of dogmatism and rigid thinking.
The authoritarian personality was hypothesized to have three dimensions: conventionalism, authoritarian aggression, and authoritarian submission. Conventionalism measures the personality's adherence to conventional values and norms. Authoritarian aggression captures tendencies towards aggression and punishement directed towards individuals who violate conventional values. And, Authoritarian submission refers to a tendency to submit to authorities perceived as established and legitimate. The dimensions are measured using a tool known as the F scale (F for 'fascist'). While this construct has been critiqued, and measures of personality have evolved to models such as the Five Factor Model, it opened the door for understanding how personality influences political behavior.
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