The Influence of Question Wording on Interpersonal Trust A Comparison in Randomly Equivalent Groups

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Henriques, A (Author) Other; Silva S (Author) FMUP; Severo M (Author) FMUP; Sílvia Fraga (Author) FMUP; Ramos E (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Methodology : European Journal of Research Methods for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Vol. 15

Pages: 56-66

ISSN: 1614-1881

Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-N2B

DOI: 10.1027/1614-2241/a000164

Abstract (EN): We aimed to evaluate the impact of two question wordings, one more directive (reference, European Social Survey) and one less directive (modified version), on self-reported trust. Using a randomly equivalent groups design, young adults (n = 1,681) from the EPITeen cohort completed one of two questionnaires to evaluate trust. The final score ranged between 0 (lowest) and 30 (highest). Cronbach's alphas were computed to assess reliability, and invariance tests were conducted to test the equivalence of both versions. Lower levels of interpersonal trust were attained with the reference version [M (SD):14.4(5.3) vs. 15.6(4.8): p < .001 and p = .005 for mean and variance comparison]. The reference version had better reliability (alpha = .742 vs. .686; p = .006). Strict invariance was achieved between the two formats, and similar effects of sociodemographic variables on trust were obtained, independently of the version used. The reference version presented better reliability than the modified one, supporting its ability to measure levels of trust among young adults.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11