Multistrategy Approach to Cross-Cultural Research

Abstract

A multistrategy approach in cross-cultural research was used to refine 24 of Collins's (1974) locus of control items for use among mainstream and Hispanic subjects. Use of informants in the selection of items, a multidimensional scaling method, factor analysis, and a nomological validation were performed. The Collins Difficult-Easy World factor was the only item cluster that was clearly cross-culturally equivalent. The mainstream subjects and the Hispanics were not different on this factor. Two other item clusters may be cross-culturally equivalent (they passed one test but failed the other). Finally, the Politically Responsive-Unresponsive World cluster of items was found to be cross-culturally nonequivalent.