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The Influence of Rating Scales and Question Attributes on the Validity and Reliability of Generalized Trust Scales

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  • Blaine G. Robbins

    (New York University Abu Dhabi)

Abstract

Trust is important for a range of societal outcomes. Despite its significance, there is considerable debate about how best to measure trust. In the context of a newly developed measure of generalized trust—the Stranger Face Trust scale (SFT)—this study evaluates whether different features of survey scales affect the reliability and validity of SFT, which relies on the standard 4-point unipolar scale used by many survey institutes. In a survey experiment conducted with a non-probability sample of U.S. adults (N = 4252), we randomly assigned intensity scale midpoints, polarity, and “don’t know” options to SFT. Results indicate that 7- and 9-point bipolar scales without a “don’t know” option slightly outperform all other scales on some psychometric tests, particularly those related to formal properties of the scales and factorial validity, but not on psychometric tests assessing survey environment or convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity.

Suggested Citation

  • Blaine G. Robbins, 2024. "The Influence of Rating Scales and Question Attributes on the Validity and Reliability of Generalized Trust Scales," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 173(3), pages 915-940, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:173:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s11205-024-03372-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-024-03372-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Peter Dinesen, 2011. "A Note on the Measurement of Generalized Trust of Immigrants and Natives," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 103(1), pages 169-177, August.
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    3. Guido Tabellini, 2010. "Culture and Institutions: Economic Development in the Regions of Europe," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 8(4), pages 677-716, June.
    4. Blaine G. Robbins, 2022. "Measuring Generalized Trust: Two New Approaches," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 51(1), pages 305-356, February.
    5. Armin Falk & Anke Becker & Thomas Dohmen & Benjamin Enke & David B. Huffman & Uwe Sunde, 2017. "Global Evidence on Economic Preferences," NBER Working Papers 23943, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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