Measurement Equivalence in Cross-National Research

TLDR

Determining whether people in different countries score differently on measurements or whether concepts relate differently can help test theories and advance sociological knowledge, but meaningful comparisons require equivalent measurements, especially for subjective attributes. The review aims to discuss cross-group measurement equivalence, identify sources of nonequivalence, and propose prevention strategies. The authors review methodological literature for empirical tests of measurement equivalence, discuss remedies when equivalence fails, and highlight recent advances. They conclude that remedies exist for non-equivalence and that recent advances offer promising solutions for future cross-national measurement equivalence assessment.

Abstract

Determining whether people in certain countries score differently in measurements of interest or whether concepts relate differently to each other across nations can indisputably assist in testing theories and advancing our sociological knowledge. However, meaningful comparisons of means or relationships between constructs within and across nations require equivalent measurements of these constructs. This is especially true for subjective attributes such as values, attitudes, opinions, or behavior. In this review, we first discuss the concept of cross-group measurement equivalence, look at possible sources of nonequivalence, and suggest ways to prevent it. Next, we examine the social science methodological literature for ways to empirically test for measurement equivalence. Finally, we consider what may be done when equivalence is not supported by the data and conclude with a review of recent developments that offer exciting directions and solutions for future research in cross-national measurement equivalence assessment.