Have you worked with standard scales/measures/instruments and have modified them in any way?
What modifications are acceptable to standard scales?
What are the steps to be taken in order to ensure these modifications:
- dropping of scale item(s)
- Changing the likert scale for responses: adding anchors, changing what the anchors read, etc.
- splitting double barrelled items into two
- Changing the order of the items.
Depending on the degree of modification, you may well need to reassess the reliability and validity of the revised version.
There are several guidelines, including:
• Using the least burdensome approach when developing, modifying, or adapting instruments.
• Obtaining permission from the developer of the scale before modifying it.
• Ensuring that the modifications do not affect the validity or reliability of the instrument.
• Conducting content and construct validation to ensure that the modified instrument is still measuring what it intends to measure.
• Following established standards and measurements to ensure the modified instrument is accurate and reliable.
Rya Ray Modifying standard scales/instruments is a common practice in research, but it must be done with caution to ensure that the modifications do not substantially modify the instrument's validity or dependability. Some basic recommendations for modifying standard scales are as follows:
1. Determine the reason for the modification: It is critical to have a clear justification for changing a standard scale before doing so. The change should be motivated by the study topic, population, or societal context.
2. Consult the scale's original authors: Before making any changes, it is always a good idea to approach the scale's original authors and ask their counsel and direction.
3. undertake a trial study: Before using the modified scale in the real study, it is critical to undertake a pilot study to evaluate the modified scale's reliability and validity.
4. Document the adjustments: All changes to the standard scale should be noted, along with the reasoning behind the changes.
5. Justify the changes in the research report: Any changes to the standard scale should be explained and supported in the research report.
Dropping scale items is permissible in terms of particular modifications if the item is irrelevant to the research topic or is creating response bias. Changing the likert measure is also permissible, but make sure that the adjustments do not affect the meaning. If the two ideas being evaluated are different, splitting double-barreled items into two independent items can also be acceptable. Changing the sequence of the things is permissible as long as it is not done arbitrarily and is supported by a clear reasoning.
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