Development and Initial Validation of a Word Fragment Completion Task to Measure Age Metastereotype Activation

Abstract

Abstract Researchers have shown growing interest in the age metastereotyping process and its potential impact in organizations. Research calls have been made for new measurement tools to help advance this work. This paper presents five studies that were conducted to develop and provide initial validation evidence for a new word fragment completion test to assess age metastereotype activation in an indirect manner. We followed suggestions for best practices in the development of this type of measure (Koopman, J., Howe, M., Johnson, R.E., Tan, J.A., & Chang, C.H. 2013. A framework for developing word fragment completion tasks. Human Resource Management Review, 23 (3), 242–253.) and used Finkelstein et al.’s (Finkelstein, L.M., King, E.B., & Voyles, E.C. 2015. Age metastereotyping and cross-age workplace interactions: A meta view of age stereotypes and work. Work, Age, and Retirement, 1 (1), 26–40.) model of the age metastereotyping process as a basis for choosing correlates for the measure. We discuss the mixed pattern of relationships between the new measure and the variables proposed in that model and provide several suggestions for next steps toward continued validation and use of this measure. Further, we provide detailed information throughout the process that could serve as a springboard and time-saver for others interested in developing their own age metastereotype word fragment completion test to suit their own research needs.