Further Considerations in Using Items With Diverse Content to Measure Acquiescence

Abstract

To measure the response style of acquiescence, researchers recommend the use of at least 15 items with heterogeneous content. Such an approach is consistent with its theoretical definition and is a substantial improvement over traditional methods. Nevertheless, measurement of acquiescence can be enhanced by two additional considerations: first, to ensure that it is not confounded with item valence, equal numbers of positively and negatively phrased items should be used; second, the validity of acquiescence scores can be substantially improved when derived from more than 15 items: about twice that number appears to be the minimum. These issues are illustrated empirically and recommendations are made for research practice.