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).