Chapter 4: Testing the measurement of environmental concern: how do single items perform in comparison to multi-item scales?
Axel Franzen
and
Sebastian Mader
Category:
Handbook Chapter
Published:
19 Nov 2021
Page Range:
63–78
Collection:
Sociology, Social Policy and Education 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800370456.00012
Restricted access

In this chapter we assess the test-retest reliability and construct validity of a composite measure of environmental concern as it is contained in the environmental modules of the International Social Survey Programme. We follow the multitrait-multimethod approach first suggested by Campbell and Fiske (1959) and compare two instruments, environmental concern and empathy, and two methods, face-to-face personal interviewing and self-administered online surveys. Overall, 310 student volunteers participated in the study, each being interviewed twice within four to six weeks. We also compare the performance of the composite index with two single items that measure environmental concern. The study results suggest that the composite index has high reliability and high validity and outperforms any of the single-item alternatives.

You are not authenticated to view the full text of this chapter or article.

Access options

Get access to the full article by using one of the access options below.

Other access options

Redeem Token

Institutional Login

Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials

Login via Institutional Access

Personal login

Log in with your Elgar Online account

Login with your Elgar account
Cover Research Handbook on Environmental Sociology
Research Handbook on Environmental Sociology
Edited by
Axel Franzen
and
Sebastian Mader
Handbook
Published:
19 Nov 2021
Print ISBN:
9781800370449
eISBN:
9781800370456
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800370456
Pages:
360
Collection:
Sociology, Social Policy and Education 2021
Buy Print