Scale Construction: Developing Reliable and Valid Measurement Instruments

TLDR

Researchers often lack suitable scales for key constructs, and poorly developed instruments can produce invalid, uninterpretable data. This paper outlines a systematic approach for creating reliable and valid measurement tools applicable to hospitality industry research. The authors present a seven‑step process, illustrated with examples from their own studies, to guide researchers in devising usable scales.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process for developing reliable and valid measurement instruments that can be used in any hospitality industry field research setting. Many instances exist in which the researcher cannot find an adequate or appropriate existing scale to measure an important construct. In these situations it is necessary to create a new scale. Failure to carefully develop a measurement instrument can result in invalid and uninterpretable data. Hence, a systematic seven-step process is outlined here to assist researchers in devising usable scales. Examples from the authors' own research are used to illustrate some of the steps in the process.