Ten Steps in Scale Development and Reporting: A Guide for Researchers

ABSTRACT

Scale development involves numerous theoretical, methodological, and statistical competencies. Despite the central role that scales play in our predictions, scholars often apply measurement building procedures that are inconsistent with best practices. The defaults in statistical programs, inadequate training, and numerous evaluation points can lead to improper practices. Based on a quantitative content analysis of communication journal articles, scholars have improved very little in the communication of their scale development decisions and practices. To address these reoccurring issues, this article breaks down and recommends 10 steps to follow in the scale development process for researchers unfamiliar with the process. Furthermore, the present research makes a unique contribution by overviewing procedures scholars should employ to develop their dimensions and corresponding items. The overarching objective is to encourage the adoption of scale development best practices that yield stronger concepts, and in the long run, a more stable foundation of knowledge.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Marley Watkins who provided me with a strong foundation in scale development and inspired me to continue down this path in the field of communication. I would also like to acknowledge the editor Jörg Matthes and the reviewers for encouraging my work to be much better.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.