Communication Methods and Measures· 2017Q1
Ten Steps in Scale Development and Reporting: A Guide for Researchers
- 1,088citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2017year
Short summary
This guide outlines 10 essential steps for researchers to improve the rigor and clarity of scale development and reporting, addressing common inconsistencies with best practices.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Identifies common inconsistencies in scale development practices among scholars.
- Recommends a 10-step process for developing and reporting measurement scales.
- Provides specific guidance on developing dimensions and their corresponding items.
- Aims to improve the quality of scales used in communication research.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Scale development involves numerous theoretical, methodological, and statistical competencies. Despite the central role that scales play in our predictions, scholars often apply measurement building procedures that are inconsistent with best practices. The defaults in statistical programs, inadequate training, and numerous evaluation points can lead to improper practices. Based on a quantitative content analysis of communication journal articles, scholars have improved very little in the communication of their scale development decisions and practices. To address these reoccurring issues, this article breaks down and recommends 10 steps to follow in the scale development process for researchers unfamiliar with the process. Furthermore, the present research makes a unique contribution by overviewing procedures scholars should employ to develop their dimensions and corresponding items. The overarching objective is to encourage the adoption of scale development best practices that yield stronger concepts, and in the long run, a more stable foundation of knowledge.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Communication Methods and Measures, 2017 · DOI ↗
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Field: General Social Sciences
General Social SciencesSocial Sciences