Comparative Reliability of 108 Scales and their Short-Form Counterparts

Authors

• Chris G. Sibley, University of Auckland
• Samantha Stronge, University of Auckland
• Kieren J. Lilly, University of Auckland
• Kumar Yogeeswaran, University of Canterbury
• Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Hope CollegeFollow
• Taciano L. Milfont, University of Waikato
• Elena Zubielevitch, The University of Queensland
• Joseph A. Bulbulia, Victoria University of Wellington
• Marc S. Wilson, Victoria University of Wellington
• Nickola C. Overall, University of Auckland
• Danny Osborne, University of Auckland

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Publication Source

New Zealand Journal of Psychology

Volume Number

53

Issue Number

2

First Page

57

Last Page

76

ISSN

0112109X

Abstract

Short-form scales are often necessary for large omnibus surveys. This study compared the reliability of 108 short-form scales and single-item indicators included in the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS) with their full-form parent counterparts. Scale psychometrics were evaluated using an omnibus dataset pooling multiple samples with a foundation sample that employed a planned missing design presenting a random selection of 66% of the 1,012-item pool to n=2,947 undergraduates. Comparative reliability estimates for all short and full-form scales are reported. The majority of short-form scales displayed adequate reliability, indexed by coefficient omega. Fit statistics for all 108 full-form scales are also reported, and factor loadings are provided in an online supplement. These results calibrate conclusions for studies that necessarily employ short-form scales, and indicate that the majority of short-form scales employed by the NZAVS display adequate internal reliability relative to their original full-form (parent) versions.

Keywords

Psychometrics, Reliability, Scales, Survey Methods

Recommended Citation

Published in: New Zealand Journal of Psychology, Volume 53, Issue 2, January 1, 2024, pages 57-76.