Using a QuantCrit Approach to Develop and Collect Evidence of Validity for a Measure of Community Cultural Wealth

Area of Science:

• Education
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Minitarized students are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.
• Educational institutions often use a deficit lens to explain disparities in outcomes for minoritized students.
• Community Cultural Wealth (CCW) offers an asset-based framework focusing on the strengths diverse students develop.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a measurement tool for Community Cultural Wealth (CCW).
• To challenge deficit-based narratives about minoritized students in STEM.
• To capture the intersecting forms of CCW capital experienced by diverse students.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a QuantCrit approach, integrating critical theories and researcher self-reflection.
• Developed a 100-item measure on a 6-point Likert scale.
• Conducted cognitive interviews with minoritized students to ensure validity and avoid construct underrepresentation.

Main Results:

• Developed a valid measure of Community Cultural Wealth (CCW).
• The measure captures intersecting forms of CCW capital.
• The methodological approach challenges deficit narratives and centers unheard experiences.

Conclusions:

• The developed CCW measure provides an asset-based approach to understanding minoritized students' success.
• This work supports more equitable research and educational practices in STEM.
• It validates the use of CCW as a framework for supporting diverse student populations.