Title: A Research Synthesis of Validation Practices Used to Evaluate the Satisfaction with Life Scale
Scarfe Room 304A
Examining Committee:
Dr. Anita Hubley, Research Supervisor
Dr. Bruno Zumbo, Committee Member
Dr. Kim Zebehazy, Committee Member
Abstract:
This thesis had two primary goals. The first was to examine methods and procedures that researchers use in the process of validating the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffen, 1985). The second was to suggest a framework to organize and examine validation procedures presented in support of measures found across disciplines and journals. A literature search using the PsycINFO database from 1985 through 2012 was conducted to capture all published validation studies of the SWLS. Each article was coded for reliability and validity evidence as described in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 1999): (a) test content, (b) response processes, (c) internal structure, (d) relations to other variables, and (e) consequences of testing. Each area was further broken down into elements specific to each area to account for the rationale for theoretical decisions made, statistical procedures used, and the completeness of the reporting of validation procedures presented. Results indicate that validation studies for the SWLS focused on internal structure and relations to variables. Where statistical analyses were conducted, criterion values for interpretation of results were rarely provided. Relations to variables evidence consisted mainly of relationships to conceptually related variables. A greater understanding of what constitutes evidence of relations to other variables; how to conceptualize this evidence and provide a rationale for constructs, measures and variables used; and how to describe expected relationships and subsequently evaluate the evidence is needed.