Description of the Scale

The Asian American Identity Scale (AAI-12) is a measurement tool developed to assess the identity of Asian Americans in relation to their cultural awareness, family relationships, and awareness of social issues such as racism. The scale is based on Daphna Oyserman’s tripartite racial identity model and consists of 12 items, which are divided into four subscales: Connectedness, Family Focus, Interdependent Achievement, and Awareness of Racism. The items on the scale use a five-point Likert scale, where participants are asked to express their level of agreement or disagreement with various statements.

Data Analysis and Usage

The data collected from the AAI-12 can be analyzed to help researchers and psychologists understand how Asian Americans perceive and manage their cultural identity, family dynamics, and the social inequalities they may face. The factors of the scale can be analyzed separately to provide a detailed picture of the different aspects of identity. The reliability of each subscale is assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and the relationships between the subscales can be examined through correlation analysis.

Objective

The primary objective of the AAI-12 is to provide a reliable tool for assessing the cultural identity of Asian Americans, helping researchers and mental health professionals to better understand the unique challenges and experiences faced by this population group. It also helps in understanding the impact of family and cultural values on identity and awareness of social issues.

Calibration

The calibration of the AAI-12 involves the use of data from representative samples of the Asian American population, as well as comparison with other identity scales. The factors of the scale are examined through factor analysis to ensure that each item accurately measures the aspects of identity it is intended to assess. Additionally, the reliability and validity of the scale are continuously evaluated through research studies.

Bibliography

Oyserman, D., & Sakamoto, I. (1997). Being Asian American: Identity, cultural constructs, and stereotype perception. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 33, 435-453.

Oyserman, D., Gant, L., & Ager, J. (1995). A socially contextualized model of African American identity: Possible selves and school persistence. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69, 1216-1232.

Phinney, J. S. (1990). Ethnic identity in adolescents and adults: Review of research. Psychological Bulletin, 108(3), 499-514.