“We Can Do Better”: Developing Attitudinal Scales Relevant to LGBTQ2S+ Issues—A Primer on Best Practice Recommendations for Beginners in Scale Development

Abstract

In this primer, following best practice recommendations and drawing upon their own expertise in psychometrics, the authors provide a step-by-step guide for developing measures relevant to sexual- and gender-marginalized persons (SGMPs). To ensure that readers operate from a uniform understanding, definitions for central elements of psychometric testing (e.g., reliability and validity) are provided. Then, detailed information is given about developing and refining scale items. Strategies designed to reduce a pool of items to a manageable number are also highlighted. The authors conclude this primer by discussing various forms of validation (e.g., convergent, discriminant, and known groups). To further readers’ understanding, illustrative examples from measures designed for SGMPs are brought into focus throughout.