Scaling criteria in developing and evaluating an attitude instrument
Carruth, B.R.; Anderson, H.L.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 70(1): 42-47
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 830707 Document Number: 110656
An attitude instrument was developed and evaluated, containing forty statements purporting to measure an individual's attitude toward the practice of nutrition. The instrument was administered to selected Missouri Nutrition Education Assistants (NEAs) in the state's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The instrument demonstrated statistical reliability over time; validity was established initially by a panel of judges. Using factor analysis, the responses of the NEAs were assessed. It was found that the forty statements were not internally consistent, and that internal consistency does not necessarily co exist with proven statistical reliability and validity. More rigorous methodology should be applied to instruments that purport to measure attitudes in nutrition research.