The Measurement of Media Literacy: Development and Testing of an Empirical Test Instrument

• In Event: It’s All About the Process: Media Literacy in Digital Age: Motives – Mediation – Measurement

Abstract

Media literacy is considered as a learnable ability. Thus, in the course of cognitive development and through specific support media literacy should increase. However, this remains speculation since empirical knowledge on the level of media literacy in different populations, e.g., across age groups and on the effectiveness of promotion activities is scarce. Besides ongoing normative debates about necessary abilities of a media literate person, the evolving character of media literacy challenges its standardized measurement. Our contribution consists of an empirical test instrument for critical appraisal skills regarding media use that is initially developed for 15-17 year olds, but qualified to be customized for other age groups as well. The test instrument was examined in two studies with samples of German high school students and validated in a student sample study. According to criteria of psychological achievement testing, the test proved to be successful. Perspectives of further developments are discussed.

Authors

• Alexandra Ellen Sowka, Hanover U of Music, Drama, and Media

• Christoph Klimmt, Hanover U of Music, Drama, and Media

• Dorothee Hefner, University of Mannheim

• Daniel Possler, Hanover University of Music, Drama, and Media