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The use of concept mapping for scale development and validation in evaluation.
Scott R Rosas1, Lauren C Camphausen
1Nemours Division of Health and Prevention Services, Center for Children's Health Innovation, Nemours Division of Health and Prevention Services, Christiana Building, Suite 200, 252 Chapman Road, Newark, DE 19702, USA. srosas@nemours.org
Evaluation and Program Planning
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Concept mapping enhances scale development by grounding content decisions in a clear conceptual framework. This integrated approach strengthens validity and theory-driven evaluation in program assessments.
Area of Science:
- Evaluation Science
- Psychometrics
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- Scale development decisions risk compromising validity without clear conceptual grounding.
- Concept mapping is a technique for specifying conceptual frameworks, but not fully integrated into scale development.
- Family support program evaluation requires robust measurement instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate concept mapping into traditional scale development processes.
- To strengthen the creation of a scale for a family support program evaluation instrument.
- To enhance construct validity and support theory-driven evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Integrated concept mapping with traditional scale development.
- Engaged staff and managers in developing a framework of intended program benefits.
- Systematically selected scale content based on the concept map.
- Assessed psychometric characteristics of the scale with program participants.
Main Results:
- Concept mapping facilitated a systematic approach to content selection for the evaluation scale.
- The integrated method supported the development of a theoretically grounded scale.
- Psychometric assessment confirmed the scale's characteristics for use in program evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Integrating concept mapping strengthens scale development and supports construct validity.
- Involving staff and managers in framework development enhances relevance and buy-in.
- This approach promotes theory-driven evaluation in applied settings.
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