Semantic validation of the short versions of the Empathy-systemizing quotient scales

Abstract

Objective: to perform the semantic validation of the short versions of the Empathy-Systemizing Quotient Scales, intended to measure the empathetic and systemizing profiles of individuals. The scales originated in Cambridge and were validated in Portugal, and were assessed for their psychometric properties. Method: methodological study included the scales’ semantic validation (content validity) and verification of their psychometric properties (internal consistency). Five judges participated in the semantic validation. The Content Validity Index was calculated, a pretest was conducted with 18 undergraduate nursing students, and, finally, the scales were applied to a sample. Results: the sample was composed of 215 undergraduate nursing students, 186 (86.51%) of whom were women aged 21 years old, on average. The scales presented good internal consistency with global Cronbach’s alphas equal to 0.83 and 0.79 for the Empathy Quotient and the Systemizing Quotient, respectively. Correlations between the scales and subscales of the Empathy Quotient and Systemizing Quotient were all positive and significant according to the Pearson correlation coefficient. Conclusion: the scales are reliable and valid to measure the empathetic and systemizing profile of undergraduate nursing students and the final version was named “versões curtas das Escalas de Medição do Quociente de Empatia/ Sistematização – Brasil” [short versions of the Empathy-Systemizing Quotient Scales – Brazil].