CONSTRUCTION AND VALIDATION OF A SEX-BASED EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY MEASURE FOR THE COLLEGE CAMPUS

The preliminary stages in constructing and validating a sex-based equal opportunity climate measure were researched. Content and construct validity were established for the initial instrument's validation. 64 subjects comprised a content-evaluation panel to examine the measure based on content relating to equal opportunity. Construct validity was established through factorial validity, internal consistency, and discriminant validity. Three factors emerged in the factor analysis, indicating three subcategories related to an over-all construct of equal opportunity. Cronbach alphas for the internal consistency were high and corresponded to the factors. Statistically significant t tests indicated that each factor was sensitive to the experimental manipulation used to establish discriminant validity. It was concluded that the instrument had content and construct validity and would be a useful measure of ecological dissonance generated in sexist climates.