A streamlined approach to scale adaptation: Enhancing validity and feasibility in educational measurement

Abstract

In educational research, the adaptation of measurement scales to different contexts is necessary but often lacks thorough validation, leading to unreliable and invalid results that compromise research integrity and the effectiveness of educational policies. In this paper, I highlight these issues and advocate for elevated research standards and rigorous validation processes. I propose a practical validation approach that balances feasibility and rigor, including initial content validity checks, pilot testing with small samples, simplified statistical validation, and cross-validation when possible. While practical, this method has limitations, such as potential biases and incomplete psychometric assessments. Despite these, it enhances the reliability and validity of adapted scales, contributing to more robust and trustworthy educational research. By prioritizing meticulous validation, I believe researchers can uphold their ethical responsibilities and advance educational practices and policies grounded in robust evidence.