On shortening the Expanded Attributional Style Questionnaire.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychometrics

Background:

• The Expanded Attributional Style Questionnaire (EASQ) was developed to improve upon the psychometric properties of the original Attributional Style Questionnaire.
• A short form of the EASQ has been described, necessitating an evaluation of its psychometric utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the psychometric properties of the short form of the Expanded Attributional Style Questionnaire (EASQ).
• To determine the reliability and validity of the EASQ short form across diverse samples.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from eight independent samples (N = 963) utilizing the EASQ short form.
• Evaluation of item performance and reliability using statistical methods, including predictions from the Spearman-Brown formula.

Main Results:

• The optimal items for the EASQ short form varied significantly across different samples and attributional dimensions.
• Reliability estimates for the EASQ short form were found to be reduced, consistent with Spearman-Brown formula predictions.
• The trade-off between brevity and psychometric integrity requires careful consideration.

Conclusions:

• The selection of items for the EASQ short form is not universal and requires sample-specific validation.
• Reduced reliability may consequently impact the validity of findings in attributional style research using the EASQ short form.
• Researchers should exercise caution when employing the EASQ short form and consider its psychometric limitations.