Testing Destination Image Scale Invariance For Intergroup Comparison

Abstract

In destination image studies, researchers often compare individuals and groups with measurement scales. Classical Test Theory (CTT) assumes, when comparing groups, that the scale measures the same social psychological construct in all groups. The assurance of measurement invariance is a prerequisite for meaningful comparisons across groups. This article reviews theoretical and methodological issues regarding measurement invariance within the framework of confirmatory factor analysis, and aims to test the measurement invariance of the destination image scale by nationality and gender. Confirmatory factor analysis assures that scores obtained from a destination image measurement model can be generalized for three nationalities and gender groups. In this respect, the results of the survey provide evidence that the scale can deliver valid and reliable measurements in determining the characteristics of British, German, and Russian tourists without gender bias. Invariance test assures the measurement model to be invariant for both females and males and therefore it is appropriate to compare the results across genders. The findings of this research and analysis methods used provide valuable insights to destination image literature and cast light on the path for future researchers.

Person-centered care assessment tool with a focus on quality healthcare: a systematic review of psychometric properties

“…The internal structure section that was least frequently reported in the studies in this review was invariance. A lack of invariance refers to a difference between scores on a test that is not explained by group differences in the structure it is intended to measure [65]. The invariance of the measure should be emphasized as a prerequisite in comparisons between groups since "if scale invariance is not examined, item bias may not be fully recognized and this may lead to a distorted interpretation of the bias in a particular psychological measure" [65].…”

“…A lack of invariance refers to a difference between scores on a test that is not explained by group differences in the structure it is intended to measure [65]. The invariance of the measure should be emphasized as a prerequisite in comparisons between groups since "if scale invariance is not examined, item bias may not be fully recognized and this may lead to a distorted interpretation of the bias in a particular psychological measure" [65]. Evidence related to other variables was the next most reported source of validity in the studies included in this review.…”

Cross-nationality importance performance analysis of Middle East all-inclusive mass tourism destination image

“…Ceylan and Cizel (2018) state that the scale invariance test is a prerequisite for inter-group comparisons. The scale invariance of the measurement tool used in this study was tested in terms of nationalities (Ceylan and Cizel, 2018) and gender (Ceylan et al, 2020). Another detail in the measurement tool is the use of parceling technique.…”