Evaluating Structural Equivalence in Psychological Questionnaires Using Weighted Multidimensional Scaling

Abstract

Cross-cultural scientists evaluate constructs across different cultural and linguistic groups. However, to make valid comparisons it is necessary to assure the equivalence of measurement instruments across populations. In this paper we use multidimensional scaling (MDS) to evaluate the structural equivalence of a measure of assertiveness developed originally for Mexican culture across Mexican and Spanish samples. 316 students from the Autonomous University of Yucatan (Mexico) and 316 students from the University of Granada (Spain) responded to the questionnaire. Separate dimensions were needed to account for the structure of the assertiveness questionnaire across the Mexican and Spanish samples. However, the distinction between dimensions was different in both samples. The results suggest that culture determines which assertive behaviors are considered appropriate. The usefulness of MDS for evaluating the equivalence of psychological questionnaires is discussed.