Gendered language attitudes: exploring language as a gendered construct using Rasch measurement theory
Kris A Knisely1, Stefanie A Wind
1Kris A. Knisely, Division of Educational Studies, Emory University, 1784 North Decatur Road, Suite 240, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, kris.knisely@emory.edu.
Journal of Applied Measurement
|January 7, 2015
Summary
This study introduces a new way to measure gendered language attitudes (GLAs), finding they form a single concept. This helps understand how students perceive language based on gender stereotypes.
Area of Science:
- Sociolinguistics
- Psychometrics
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Gendered language attitudes (GLAs) involve perceptions of language varieties linked to gender characteristics.
- Existing research lacks a robust measure for these attitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a new psychometric measure for GLAs.
- To explore the construct validity and dimensionality of GLAs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Rasch measurement theory to analyze a new GLA scale.
- Combined theories of language learning, gender, and psychometrics.
Main Results:
- Findings indicate that GLAs represent a unidimensional construct.
- The developed scale effectively differentiates students based on GLA strength.
Conclusions:
- The new measure offers reliable assessment of GLAs.
- Results have implications for language teaching, learning, and future research.
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