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Measuring socioeconomic status: reliability and preliminary validity for different approaches
Paul T Cirino1, Christopher E Chin, Rose A Sevcik
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303, USA. pcirino@gsu.edu
Assessment
|June 18, 2002
Summary
This study found socioeconomic status (SES) measures show high reliability and agreement across countries. Simplified SES measurement approaches may be viable for social and behavioral research.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Socioeconomic status (SES) is a critical determinant in social and behavioral science research.
- Standardized and reliable measurement of SES is essential for valid research outcomes.
- Cross-national comparisons of SES measures present unique challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability and validity of commonly used socioeconomic status (SES) measures.
- To compare SES measures across the United States and Canada.
- To explore the implications of SES measurement for future research.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 140 participants across Atlanta, Boston, and Toronto.
- Utilized three SES scales: Hollingshead, Nakao and Treas (US), and Blishen, Carroll, and Moore (Canada).
- Assessed interrater and intermeasure agreement, alongside validity with academic/intellectual metrics.
Main Results:
- High interrater reliability (range = .86–.91) and intermeasure agreement (range r = .81–.88) were observed.
- Lowest agreement occurred in single-female-earner households.
- Preliminary validity data for SES measures were obtained.
Conclusions:
- Commonly used SES measures demonstrate robust reliability and agreement.
- A simplified approach to SES measurement may be feasible.
- Findings inform the selection and application of SES measures in cross-national research.
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