Assessing network media literacy in China: The development and validation of a comprehensive assessment instrument

Abstract

Network media literacy is the foundation of Internet usage and builds sustainable development that can help people to participate more easily in knowledge societies. Nevertheless, no validated and standardised test assesses the level of network media literacy. Therefore, this study established and calibrated an instrument for use in network media literacy research and practice. Items were formed based on a composite conceptual model and administered to the general population across most of the country. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were examined using multidimensional item response theory. Differential item functioning was used to exclude the items with distorted ability estimates. Almost all of the remaining items showed good discrimination and difficulty parameters based on the fitted model with three stable dimensions. This study created a thorough questionnaire called the general network media literacy test (GNMLT), with scoring determined in relation to classical test theory. The GNMLT is a valid and reliable measure for assessing the network media literacy of Chinese individuals. Practitioners could use the scale before implementing literacy promotion and education.