The equivalence of single-item scales of psychic distance: A test in Brazil

Abstract

Despite the broad acceptance of the concept of psychic distance, problems related to measuring the construct have persisted in empirical studies. Although researchers have developed and used a variety of instruments, no study has, thus far, concerned itself with making a comparative evaluation for the purpose of assessing their equivalence. The present study sought to evaluate several single-item scales to measure psychic distance as a summary construct. Four data collection instruments in the literature were identified, and applied to a final sample of 365 university students. Approximately one fourth of the sample answered each questionnaire. A range of statistical tests were carried out in order to identify the features of the respective instruments as well as to assess their equivalence and validity. The results enabled to compare features and showed that only two of the instruments produced equivalent results. All of the scales correlated strongly; however, the performance of the scales in the tests did vary. The Stöttinger and Schlegelmilch (1998) scale has the capacity to be used with a greater range of statistical tests and presented superior results in practically all of the tests carried out. It is the scale recommended to researchers wishing to utilize single-item measures of psychic distance. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]