Abstrait

Evaluating the difference in attitude between students and illiterates towards disabled people

Muhammad Ali Khan, Feroz Shah Khan

The purpose of this study was to see if there is any difference between attitude of students and illiterates toward disabled people. It was hypothesized that the attitude of students will be more positive towards disabled people as compared to the attitude of illiterates. A total sample of 400 participants was selected randomly from students studying in different departments at the University of Swat and the general public at streets who were confirmed to be illiterate. Out of the 400 participants, 200 were students and 200 were common illiterate people. The scale Attitude towards Disabled People (ATDP) adapted version was used to measure the attitude of participants. Scores attained on the scale by the participants were calculated and analyzed by applying the independent sample t-test in Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 16.0 (SPSS v16). The test revealed a statistically significant difference (t=6.655, df=58, p<0.001) between the attitude of students and illiterates. Students reported significantly positive nature of attitude towards disabled people (M=20.63, SD=16.023) than did the illiterate participants (M=- 1.30, SD=8.313). This proved the hypothesis that students have a more positive attitude towards disabled people than that of the illiterate people.