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Published on: January 5, 2018
A brief Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index with less potential for bias
Mitch Earleywine1, Joseph W LaBrie, Eric R Pedersen
1Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA. mearleywine@albany.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|June 13, 2008
Summary
A revised Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) short form reduces bias and maintains measurement accuracy for adolescent alcohol problems. This validated short form enhances research utility for studying drinking behaviors and individual differences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychometrics
- Addiction Research
Background:
- The Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) is widely used to assess adolescent alcohol-related problems.
- Sex differences in RAPI scores are noted, but potential item bias requires investigation.
- Developing a shorter RAPI scale could improve its practical application in research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine differential item functioning (DIF) in the RAPI for male and female college student drinkers.
- To develop and validate a short form of the RAPI with reduced potential for sex bias.
- To compare the psychometric properties and correlational validity of the full and short forms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of RAPI scores, problem drinking inventory, and alcohol consumption measures in over 2000 college students.
- Differential item functioning (DIF) analyses to identify sex-biased items.
- Development of a short form by removing biased items and psychometric validation.
Main Results:
- Several RAPI items exhibited differential functioning for men and women.
- A shorter RAPI scale was created by removing these biased items, retaining similar psychometric properties.
- The short form demonstrated comparable correlations with drinking habits and problems as the full scale.
- The magnitude of sex differences in scores remained consistent between the full and short forms.
Conclusions:
- A revised, shorter Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) effectively measures alcohol-related problems with reduced sex bias.
- The short form maintains psychometric integrity and correlational validity, making it a valuable tool for future research.
- Differential item functioning analysis is crucial for refining measurement scales and understanding group differences in substance use research.
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