Abstract
ABSTRACT Validation of data collection instruments is a necessary step in all research and should be regarded as an integral component in every stage of the research process; however, the validation process is often not accounted for in detail in published studies. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and validation of the Ungspråk electronic questionnaire, which was designed to explore teenagers’ multilingualism and multilingual identity in the Norwegian school context. It aims to examine whether having a multilingual identity correlates with several variables such as language practices, languages studied in school, open-mindedness, and beliefs about multilingualism. To our knowledge, the Ungspråk questionnaire is one of the first validated tools for quantitatively investigating learners’ multilingual identity in school settings. Different qualitative and quantitative procedures were adopted for validating Ungspråk, including piloting sessions with students from two lower secondary schools. The results of the validation processes suggest that the Ungspråk questionnaire is a robust instrument for investigating young learners’ multilingual identity. It is easy to use, acceptable to learners, and fulfils stringent criteria of reliability and validity.
Highlights
Validity is at the same time one of the most important and contentious concepts in academic research, a fact supported by the multitude of theoretical and methodological approaches dedicated to it
It aims to examine whether having a multilingual identity correlates with several variables such as language practices, languages studied in school, open-mindedness, and beliefs about multilingualism
The results of the validation processes suggest that the Ungspråk questionnaire is a robust instrument for investigating young learners’ multilingual identity
Summary
Validity is at the same time one of the most important and contentious concepts in academic research, a fact supported by the multitude of theoretical and methodological approaches dedicated to it. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2020) defines the word valid as denoting something that is ‘well-grounded or justifiable [...] at once relevant and meaningful’, ‘logically correct’ and ‘appropriate to the end in view’. The aptness of these attributes to define high-quality academic research attest to why validity is something to be strived for. The authors of this article consider validity as an integral component of all stages of a research process It should be accounted for in the purposes of a study, in the design of the research instruments and methods for collecting data and answering research questions, and in the ethical principles guiding the relationship between researchers, participants, collaborators and the research community
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