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Does the Delivery Matter? Examining Randomization at the Item Level

Author

Listed:
  • Buchanan, Erin Michelle

    (Harrisburg University of Science and Technology)

  • Foreman, Riley E.
  • Huber, Becca Nicole

    (Idaho State University)

  • Pavlacic, Jeffrey Michael
  • Swadley, Rachel N.
  • Schulenberg, Stefan E.

Abstract

Scales that are psychometrically sound, meaning those that meet established standards regarding reliability and validity when measuring one or more constructs of interest, are customarily evaluated based on a set modality (i.e., computer or paper) and administration (fixed-item order). Deviating from an established administration profile could result in non-equivalent response patterns, indicating the possible evaluation of a dissimilar construct. Randomizing item administration may alter or eliminate these effects. Therefore, we examined the differences in scale relationships for randomized and nonrandomized computer delivery for two scales measuring meaning/purpose in life. These scales have questions about suicidality, depression, and life goals that may cause item reactivity (i.e. a changed response to a second item based on the answer to the first item). Results indicated that item randomization does not alter scale psychometrics for meaning in life scales, which implies that results are comparable even if researchers implement different delivery modalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Buchanan, Erin Michelle & Foreman, Riley E. & Huber, Becca Nicole & Pavlacic, Jeffrey Michael & Swadley, Rachel N. & Schulenberg, Stefan E., 2017. "Does the Delivery Matter? Examining Randomization at the Item Level," OSF Preprints p93df, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:osfxxx:p93df
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/p93df
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Stefan Schulenberg & Lindsay Schnetzer & Erin Buchanan, 2011. "The Purpose in Life Test-Short Form: Development and Psychometric Support," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 12(5), pages 861-876, October.
    2. Steenkamp, Jan-Benedict E M & Baumgartner, Hans, 1998. "Assessing Measurement Invariance in Cross-National Consumer Research," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 25(1), pages 78-90, June.
    3. Stefan Schulenberg & Amanda Melton, 2010. "A Confirmatory Factor-Analytic Evaluation of the Purpose in Life Test: Preliminary Psychometric Support for a Replicable Two-Factor Model," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 95-111, March.
    4. Joseph Henrich & Steve J. Heine & Ara Norenzayan, 2010. "The Weirdest People in the World?," RatSWD Working Papers 139, German Data Forum (RatSWD).
    5. Michael Birnbaum, 2000. "Psychological experiments on the internet," Framed Field Experiments 00125, The Field Experiments Website.
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