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Using Rasch modeling to measure acculturation in youth
Melinda F Davis1, Mary Adam, Scott Carvajal
1Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721-0068, USA. mfd@email.arizona.edu
Journal of Applied Measurement
|February 24, 2012
Summary
Language measures may not accurately reflect acculturation in Latino youth. Current acculturation instruments need more sensitive items to capture linguistic differences or other factors in diverse youth populations.
Area of Science:
- Health disparities research
- Sociocultural psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Acculturation is a key factor in ethnic health disparities.
- Health surveys often use language and social interaction items to measure acculturation.
- Existing acculturation instruments may not be suitable for all youth populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dimensionality of acculturation items in Latino youth.
- To assess the suitability of existing acculturation scales for this demographic.
- To identify limitations in using language as a sole measure of acculturation.
Main Methods:
- Rasch modeling was used to analyze responses from Latino youth.
- Two seven-item scales measuring Anglo-Hispanic orientation were adapted.
- Items were sourced from established acculturation instruments (Marin & Gamba, 1996; Cuellar et al., 1995).
Main Results:
- Most items demonstrated good fit to the Rasch model.
- Gaps were identified in both Hispanic and Anglo acculturation scales.
- Anglo-oriented items were poorly targeted due to high English language use in the sample.
Conclusions:
- Reliance on language alone is problematic for measuring acculturation in heterogeneous Latino youth.
- Current instruments lack sensitivity in discriminating linguistic differences.
- Acculturation measures for youth require refinement or the inclusion of additional factors.
