Scale Description

The Multicultural Acculturation Scale (MAS-24) is an assessment tool designed to measure the process of acculturation among individuals from diverse cultural groups. Specifically, the scale evaluates the extent of individuals’ assimilation into new cultural settings, as well as their ability to integrate elements of their own cultural heritage with those of the new culture.

Scope: The scale examines various aspects of cultural acculturation, such as the acceptance and integration of new cultural elements, the maintenance of one’s cultural identity, and interactions with other cultural elements.

Dimensions: It typically includes dimensions such as cultural adaptation, cultural differentiation, and cultural integration.

Data Analysis and Use

Analyzing data from the Multicultural Acculturation Scale involves:

Response Collection: Recording participant responses using the scale, which usually includes Likert-type questions.

Score Calculation: Computing overall scores for each dimension of cultural acculturation, as well as a general score.

Score Analysis: Reviewing results to determine the extent of acculturation in various cultural areas, such as integration into the new culture and preservation of cultural traditions.

Application: Using the results to guide interventions that support cultural adjustment, understand cultural interactions, and enhance individuals’ integration into new cultural contexts.

Objective

The primary objectives of the Multicultural Acculturation Scale are:

Assessing Cultural Acculturation: To measure the process of acculturation individuals undergo when exposed to new cultures and their ability to blend elements of their own cultural traditions with those of the new culture.

Understanding Cultural Relationships: To analyze interactions and relationships between elements of the two cultures.

Designing Interventions: To develop strategies and programs that support the process of cultural acculturation and promote successful integration into the new culture.

Scoring

The scoring of the Multicultural Acculturation Scale includes:

Scores: Each question is scored based on participants’ responses, and a total score is calculated for each dimension.

Statistical Analysis: Analyzing the data to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale, using normalized data for comparison of individual scores.

Normalized Data: Comparing scores with normalized data for interpreting results relative to peers or other groups.

Bibliography

Berry, J. W. (1997). Immigration, acculturation, and adaptation. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 46(1), 5-34.

Sam, D. L., & Berry, J. W. (2010). Acculturation: When individuals and groups of different cultural backgrounds meet. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 5(4), 472-481.

Schwartz, S. J., & Zamboanga, B. L. (2008). Testing the relationships between acculturation and adjustment: A review of the literature. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 32(6), 459-467.

Ryder, A. G., Alden, L. E., & Paulhus, D. L. (2000). Is acculturation unidimensional or bidimensional? A head-to-head comparison in the prediction of personality, self-identity, and adjustment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 79(1), 49-65.

Ward, C., & Kennedy, A. (1999). The measurement of socio-cultural adaptation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 23(4), 659-677.

Kipke, M. D., Montgomery, S. B., Simon, T. R., Unger, J. B., & Johnson, C. J. (1997). Homeless youth: Drug use patterns and HIV risk profiles according to peer group affiliation. AIDS and Behavior, 1, 247-259.

Klonoff, E. A., & Landrine, H. (2000). Revising and improving the African American Acculturation Scale. Journal of Black Psychology, 26, 235-261.

LaFromboise, T., Coleman, H. L. K., & Gerton, J. (1998). Psychological impact of biculturalism: Evidence and theory. In P. B. Organista, K. M. Chun, & G. Marin (Eds.), Readings in ethnic psychology (pp. 61-72).