Abstract
The present article describes the development of a Japanese version of the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ). The influence of social desirability on the Japanese ECBQ was investigated using a cross-sectional sample ( N = 318). The effects of gender and developmental changes in temperament were investigated in a longitudinal sample ( N = 191). A three-factor structure was found in the instrument, the three factors being Surgency/Extraversion, Negative Affectivity, and Effortful Control. These factors were the same as those found in the original ECBQ. Social desirability showed less influence on the Japanese ECBQ, indicating the instrument was free from culture-based construct bias. This longitudinal study highlighted that Japanese toddlers have quieter, more withdrawn, and more passive temperaments, a finding that supports that of previous research comparing temperament-scale means between Japanese and U.S. children.
Highlights
In cross-cultural research measuring toddlers’ temperaments, it is necessary to have a culture-free psychometric tool
The issue of item bias was addressed by using an appropriate translation method. As it was not clear if construct bias existed, this bias will be evaluated using social desirability described below. Even after these biases are eliminated, the mean score level and the factor structure of the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ) could be influenced by cultural differences
The present study expected that scores on the temperament scales on the Japanese ECBQ representing toddlers’ activity, such as Activity Level and High-Intensity Pleasure (HIP), would be lower in Japan than those reported in the original ECBQ (Putnam, Gartstein, & Rothbart, 2006)
Summary
In cross-cultural research measuring toddlers’ temperaments, it is necessary to have a culture-free psychometric tool. A culturefree tool must minimize construct, method, and item bias (He & van de Vijver, 2012; Van de Vijver & Tanzer, 2004) If these sources of bias are eliminated, the instrument used to measure cultural differences in temperament can be considered equivalent across cultures. As it was not clear if construct bias existed, this bias will be evaluated using social desirability described below Even after these biases are eliminated, the mean score level and the factor structure (possible interrelationship of the 18 temperament scales) of the ECBQ could be influenced by cultural differences. The Japanese ECBQ is situated between the IBQ-R and the CBQ in terms of the age of children measured, and the present authors expected to find a similar threefactor structure as well as some differences in the scales comprising each factor with those found in the Japanese
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
