an instrument used to measure individuals’ attitudes toward particular ethnic groups. Respondents are presented with different scenarios (e.g., having someone from a particular group as a work colleague) and must indicate the acceptability of each for the groups listed. It is assumed that individuals who would prefer to keep a greater social distance between themselves and members of a specific group are prejudiced against that group. The Bogardus scale is one of the most commonly used social distance scales. [Emory Bogardus (1882–1973), U.S. sociologist]