UNL PSYC 971 - Scale Construction & Validation

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Hw#3Part 1: Scale Construction & ValidationThe three types of scales most commonly constructed by behavioral scientists are: 1) A "short form" of an existing scale; 2) A "predictor" designed to improve predictive accuracy beyond the currently used predictors; and 3)A "measure" of a construct/attribute for use as a research variableYou task is to write a “proposal” that will specify the steps and procedures you would use to construct andvalidate each type of scale, including a careful definition of each pertinent type of reliability and validity and a careful description of the statistics used to evaluate the appropriate data. Here are the specifics of the purpose and some details about each scale.1) For the "Short Form" imagine:- There is an existing 80 item scale that measures "reluctance to disclose private information" -- you are permitted to use these actual items (you don't have to write additional items)- The scale has a reliability of .90- You want to have two (2) short forms of this instrument2) For the "Predictor" imagine:- The criterion variable is performance during the "Social Psychology Proseminar" taken by all graduate students during their second semester.- Currently, performance is measures using the GREQ, GREV, and GPA from the first semester in graduate school, with an R² = .20- You must decide what you want the predicting construct to be (there are a few obvious choices -- don't get overly creative!!)3) For the "measure" imagine:- You have become interested in studying "everyday honesty" and need a DV for your research. By the way,all of the research designs you are planning are repeated measures designs in which the participant will complete your "academic honesty" scale, then undergo some manipulation, and then re-take the scale.- Currently there are two measures used in personnel selection research ("Theft from Employer Inventory" & "Work Integrity Scale"), neither of which is quite the construct you had in mind.Hints:1) In the past, good assignments have usually been about 6-8 total pages long.2) This is intended to be "interactive" -- expect to ask me lots of questions (especially if you “come back” to this assignment – you’re not likely to think of all the interrelations and details – plan to come ask questions!)3) There's not much I can tell you at this point that doesn't give away answers, but here's the logical approach I suggest you take for each scale (and be sure to ask lots of questions):1) Decide which of the types of reliability and validity that we have discussed are relevant 2) Compose complete definitions for each relevant type3) Compose a description of how one demonstrates each relevant type4) Weave the definitions and descriptions into a "story" emphasizing the sequence and interplay of the necessary steps.Part 2: Scale Evaluation1. Look through the materials from the course and write a list of “evidences of a good scale” – organize you list as belowScale Reliability Scale Validity2. Carefully consider the scale/instrument you have selected & describe each of the following for that scale.- measuring, predicting, or measuring to predict ?- construct / content ? - quantifying or classifying or multiple classifications ?- target population ?- single scale or multiple subscales ?- want face validity ?- relative/rank or value reliability ?- alternate forms necessary ?3. Given the above description of the purpose of the scale you describe in “2,” which of the kinds of evidence you describe in “1” would you like to see? Be sure to tell why or why not for each kind!Scale Reliability Scale Validity4. “Evaluate” the reliability/validity evidence offered in the article. For each of the kinds of evidence you want to see (listed in “3”) tell…- Did they offer evidence of that type?- Did the evidence support the reliability/validity of the instrument?5. Summarize the good and bad of this instrument based on the article (being careful to note information that article didn’t provide that you would have liked to see). Write this as 1-2 paragraphs you might give to an advisor or


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UNL PSYC 971 - Scale Construction & Validation

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