Although the ATDP and the CDP utilize Likert scales to measure the constructs,

respectively, data from both scales have been analyzed as interval scales. The literature

documents analyzing ATDP data (Pruett, 2004; Satcher & Gamble, 2002) and CDP data

(Pruett, 2004; Wang, 1998) as an interval scale.

 Limitations

 This study contains limitations with regards to internal and external validity. First,

the results have limited generalizability. Although practical, the use of law enforcement

officers from Gainesville, Florida limits the results to only Deputy Sheriffs from

Gainesville, Florida. Second, legislation varies from across states as to what constitutes a

protected category. Specifically, the state of Florida does not have legislation that allows

for courts to enhance a sentence if the perpetrator commits a crime against a person with

a disability because of bias. As a result, there are variables outside the control of this

study that can influence the interpretation of bias crime indicators.

Limitations also exist with the internal validity of the study. First, the use of self-report

measures can introduce an element of response bias into the study. Self-report measures,

particularly with attitude measures of surveys of sensitive information can elicit

respondents answering in a manner that is socially acceptable. Social desirability is not

controlled for in this study. As a result, it isn't possible to determine what extent

participant's responses were influenced by social desirability. A second limitation is the

nature of the study itself. The methodology of the study did not allow for causal

interpretation of the data.