The measurement and mismeasurement of ophidiophobia in analogue research: A procedural review.

The adequacy of current paper-and-pencil measures of ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) was analyzed by reviewing the subject selection procedures in 24 published articles with the restriction that the procedures involve some form of self-report. The sample characteristics and selection procedures of these studies were reviewed in detail. We conclude that the recommendations and conclusions of these studies should not be accepted due to limited generalizability. Paper-and-pencil measures are excellent initial selection devices, but cannot stand alone in selecting ophidiophobics from the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]