1. Lab: Creating a scale

2. Task for lab Create a scale in small groups
Have others complete the scale
In the next lab, evaluate your scale

3. Step 1: Pick what you’ll measure
Come up with a unidimensional construct to create a scale about
Personality trait: Generosity, Shyness, Extraversion, etc. OR
Attitude: Belief in climate change, Attitudes about a helmet law for cyclists, etc.
Unidimensional: One specific construct
NOT: attitudes toward UNI because that could be about the administration, sports teams, professors, etc.
But maybe: Attitudes toward administration’s response to the Waka Flocka Flame concert
Nothing illegal or overly personal (e.g., about sexual behaviors)

4. Step 2: Decide what response scale you’ll use
5-7 options
Examples here: type%20response%20anchors.pdf
Most common:
Strongly disagree to strongly agree
Never to always
Not at all like me to very true ot me

5. Step 3: Come up with items
Avoid double negatives:
NOT: I rarely fail to go to class.
INSTEAD: I usually go to class.
Avoid double barrel (2 thoughts):
NOT: I like camping and hiking.
INSTEAD: I like to primitive tent camp in the woods.
Avoid items with more than one meaning:
NOT: I usually shower once a day.
INSTEAD: I shower at least once a day.

6. Avoid items that have social desirability issues.
Have some that are positively worded and some that if you agree, mean the opposite.
I like to go to loud parties.
I like to be alone most of the time.
Avoid items that have social desirability issues.
NOT: I would not help someone who was disabled.
INSTEAD: Sometimes I feel uncomfortable when I see someone who has a physical disability.

7. Step 4: Narrow down your items
Come up with good and unambiguous items.
your list with your response scale, names of group members, and the concept you are measuring to Christina at

8. Step 5: Collect data
Christina will create an online survey with your items
After she sends your group the link, try to get around 40 people to do your scale (40 total for the group) by Friday
Make sure they are 18 or older
We’ll also have people in the class do each other’s scales on Wednesday and Friday (watch for s)
Scales will include a place for a code that only you know (you make up) so that we can match answers anonymously across time