Validity Evidence for the Translated Version of the Personal Social Capital Scale Among People of Mexican Descent

Abstract

Social capital is increasingly of interest to researchers and service providers given its relationship to outcomes ranging from wellness to social and civic participation. However, available instruments measuring social capital have insufficient reliability and validity. The current study tests the reliability and validity of the Personal Social Capital scale–English version. This study focuses on people of Mexican descent (N = 322) because this validation was part of a larger study involving this population. Results from the validation indicate acceptable global (α=.85) and subscale (bonding α=.83; bridging α=.85) reliability. In addition, a confirmatory factor analysis revealed a well-fitting model. The scale demonstrates convergent validity with psychological sense of community (r = .44). However, the statistically significant correlation between a person’s irrational values and social capital (r =.17) does not demonstrate discriminant validity. Further, gender is not a statistically significant predictor, thus failing to support the scale’s criterion validity. Relationship status was a statistically significant predictor but did not support the anticipated relationship. We discuss several directions for future research, scale construction, and scale improvement. CR - Copyright © 2011 Society for Social Work and Research