Analysis and Improvement of the Measurement of Interpersonal Attraction and Homophily

Abstract

Three decades ago measures of interpersonal attraction and homophily were introduced to the field. A substantial number of research studies have been reported that employed one or more of these measures. This research was examined to evaluate their reliability and validity. It is concluded that all of these measures are reasonably reliable and valid. However, since the reliabilities have been highly variable, it was determined that improved measures should be used in the future. Second generation, revised and improved, versions of these measures are reported and recommended for future research.

Keywords:

• Homophily
• Interpersonal Attraction
• Measurement
• Validity
• Reliability

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Linda L. McCroskey

Linda L. McCroskey (PhD, University of Oklahoma, 1998) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at California State University-Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840-0008

James C. McCroskey

James C. McCroskey (DEd, Pennsylvania State University, 1966) is Professors in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6293

Virginia P. Richmond

Virginia P. Richmond (PhD, University of Nebraska, 1977) are Professors in the Department of Communication Studies at West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6293