Developing a Measure of Trust Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

• In Event: Mixed Methods Research Applications

Abstract

Developing psychometrically sound instruments can be a difficult task, especially if little is known about the latent constructs to be measured. In this context, a mixed methods approach may be useful because initial qualitative inquiry can explore the meaning of a construct in a way that relies on emergent design (Patton, 2002). Doing so allows for drawing from the strengths of one method to address the weaknesses of the other, which is consistent with the logic of mixing (Johnson & Christensen, 2012; Johnson & Onwuegbuzie, 2004). The purpose of this article is to describe a relatively novel type of mixing, which is the use qualitative inquiry, cognitive interviews (Willis, 2005), Item Response Theory (IRT) and classical test theory (CTT) applications.

Authors

• Shannon Lyn David, North Dakota State University

• John H. Hitchcock, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Brian Ragan, Ohio University

• Gordon P. Brooks, Ohio University - Athens

• Chad Starkey, Ohio University - Athens