Measuring Student Learning in Social Justice Courses: The Diversity and Oppression Scale

Abstract

The Diversity and Oppression Scale (DOS) is a standardized instrument measuring self-reported student learning about diversity and oppression based on requirements of the Council on Social Work Education. DOS was tested with social work students in 2 major North American universities. Factor structure was examined using exploratory factor analysis (N = 329). Predictive validity was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis and paired sample t-tests (N = 329). Construct validity was tested by examining correlations between DOS and existing scales measuring social justice, oppression, cultural competence, counselor burnout, empathy, and social desirability bias (N = 87). DOS has 4 factors: cultural diversity self-confidence (α = .90; 11 items), diversity and oppression (α = .69; 8 items), social worker/client congruence (α = .84; 3 items), and social worker responsibilities (α = .61; 3 items).

Additional information

Funding

The author would like to acknowledge the Russell Sage Foundation for providing funding to this project.

Notes on contributors

Liliane Cambraia Windsor

Liliane Cambraia Windsor is assistant professor and DuWayne Battle is director of the baccalaureate program at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Clay Shorkey

Clay Shorkey is professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

DuWayne Battle

Liliane Cambraia Windsor is assistant professor and DuWayne Battle is director of the baccalaureate program at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.