本研究先於第一調查部分藉開放式問卷收集臺灣老中青三代對老人的刻板印象。以其中出現頻率較高之115項(item)為依據,研發「老人刻板印象形容詞檢核表」。第二調查部分則分別由老年受訪者(65歲以上,男女各30名)、中年受測者(35-50歲,男女各30名)、青年受測者(18-25歲,男女各30名)圈選量表中他/她們對老人們的印象。結果經因素分析之後得到四大因素,分別為:(1)茫然悲觀、(2)負向人際關係特性、(3)健康積極與(4)和善。證實對老人的刻板印象並非全然為負面印象。另外,「多重刻板印象」(multiple stereotypes)亦可於本調查中獲得驗證。由於老年受訪者對老人之刻板印象較為多元與正面,印證「內團體」(in-group)與「外團體」(out-group)對老人刻板印象之認知差異說,以及所謂的「內團體複雜性」(in-group complexity)。文獻指出老人刻板印象之影響變項為:(1)年齡、(2)性別、(3)教育程度及(4)和老人的接觸。本研究可確定(1)年齡、(2)性別、(3)教育程度、(4)收入及(5)婚姻狀態為影響個體對老人刻板印象之變項。但無法肯定「與老人的接觸」是否會影響個體對老人的刻板印象。
The first part of this study, using an open-ended questionnaire, aims to collect the stereotypes of elderly, from the perspectives of the young, middle-aged and elderly generation. Choosing the most frequent 115 items as a basis, a 'Age Group Evaluation and Discription Inventar (AGED)' has been developed. In the second part of this study, 60 elderly, 60 middle-aged and 60 young participants will be asked to choose the description items from the AGED inventar. The factor analysis demonstrates 4 different factors of the stereotypes of the elderly, which are: vacant and pessimistic, negative interpersonal relationships characteristic, healthy and active, kind and friendly. It is verified that not all stereotypes of the elderly are negative. In addition, “multiple stereotypes” can also be proved. Because elderly people have diversified and positive impression to their own aged group, so that in-group and out-group differences can be proved. According to the literature, the influence parameters on the stereotypes of the elderly are: (1) age, (2) sex, (3) level of education, and (4) contact with the elderly. It can be confirmed in this study that the age, sex, level of education, income and marital status are the influence parameters that affect the participant's point of view to the elderly.