Constructing a psychological measure

CONSTRUCTING A PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASURE

Constructing a useful psychological test is a meticulous process. First, you must formulate a clear, empirically based definition of what is to be measured and carefully consider the items and response formats that would best measure this construct. The test items are created based on a theory or by sampling a domain of knowledge. Subject matter experts are often called upon to generate and evaluate the initial test items. The test is then given to a large sample of people and, after careful analysis, the statistical properties of each item are scrutinized, and decisions are made about item retention, elimination, and revision. You will go through many of the steps in this process in this course. Your first assignment is to identify a construct of interest that you would like your proposed test to measure and start the process of developing a definition of the construct of interest. You should select a construct that is applicable to organizations (e.g., intelligence, personality, integrity).   

To prepare for this Assignment:

Read the article, “Constructing Validity: Basic Issues in Objective Scale Development,” the section entitled “Scale Construction” in Methodological Issues & Strategies in Clinical Research, and the section entitled “Defining the Construct” in Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences: Summated Rating Scale Construction.

As you read the resources, focus on the steps for developing an operational definition of a psychological construct to be measured. Also, consider the importance of conducting a literature review to clearly articulate the definition of a construct and differentiate it from similar constructs.

Read the chapter, “Taxonomies and Compendia of Cognitive Ability and Personality Constructs and Measures Relevant to Industrial, Work, and Organizational Psychology.” Review cognitive and personality constructs and their associated definitions.

• Identify a psychological construct of interest to you that you would like to focus on throughout the remainder of the course. The construct should be applicable to organizations.

Conduct a brief literature review on the construct. Develop a working definition of the construct or adopt one based on what you researched and provide justification for it use.   Submit a 1-page paper (not including references) that addresses the following:

Identify the construct of interest* that you would like to focus on for the remainder of the course.

• Provide an initial draft of an operational definition of the construct. Be sure to include cited evidence from the empirical literature that helped you create an operational definition of this construct.