Challenges to measuring Chinese students’ perceptions of freedom of expression: An application of Rasch analysis

Abstract

Rapid social development and recent changes in views concerning childhood have urged a more holistic approach to measuring children’s well-being, particularly in the domain of rights. In light of articulated provisions within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, there is obvious interest in understanding more about how children’s perceptions of their rights have evolved. Using both traditional measurement (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis) and Rasch analysis, this study focused on measures gauging Chinese high school students’ perceptions of freedom of expression. The survey was designed to capture students’ perceptions over various forms of freedom of expression (e.g. student publications, dress code), and their experiences with regard to how these rights were respected in their schools. The aim of the study was to examine and evaluate validity and reliability of the survey used with a sample of 838 Chinese students from two high schools, one urban, and one rural. Overall, the survey exhibits certain degrees of validity and reliability and is appropriate for measuring children’s perceptions on freedom of expression. The study pointed to a number of areas where the survey could be improved. Implications for future research were discussed.