Using item response theory to understand the effects of scale contextualization: An illustration using decision making style scales

Abstract

The goal of this study was to extend research on scale contextualization (i.e., frame-of-reference effect) to the decision making styles construct, compare the effects of contextualization across three unique decision style scales, and examine the consequences of scale contextualization within an item response theory framework. Based on a mixed experimental design, data gathered from 661 university students indicated that contextualized scales yielded higher predictive validity, occasionally possessed psychometric properties better than the original measures, and that the effects of contextualization are somewhat scale-specific. These findings provide important insights for researchers and practitioners seeking to modify and adapt existing scales.