Description

The Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH-12) is a widely used tool designed to assess the level of acculturation among Hispanic populations in the United States. The scale consists of 12 items, which are divided into three subscales that measure linguistic preferences, media preferences, and social relationships. The SASH-12 is a simplified version of the longer SASH, intended to provide a quick yet effective assessment of acculturation levels.

Analysis and Use of Data

The SASH-12 data can be analyzed to understand the acculturation process among Hispanic populations, specifically focusing on how individuals adapt to a new cultural environment while maintaining their original cultural identity. The scale is particularly useful in public health, psychology, and sociology research to explore the relationship between acculturation and various health outcomes, behaviors, and attitudes.
Data Collection: The SASH-12 typically uses a Likert-type scale, where respondents rate their preferences and behaviors on a scale from 1 (only Spanish) to 5 (only English), depending on the question. Data collected through SASH-12 can be analyzed quantitatively to measure the degree of acculturation.
Data Analysis: Common statistical methods used to analyze SASH-12 data include:
Descriptive Statistics: To summarize the general trends in acculturation levels within the sample population.
Factor Analysis: To confirm the underlying structure of the scale and ensure that the three subscales (language, media, and social relationships) are distinct and reliable.
Correlation Analysis: To explore relationships between acculturation and other variables, such as health outcomes, socioeconomic status, or educational attainment.
Regression Analysis: To predict outcomes based on levels of acculturation, adjusting for potential confounders.

Calibration

Calibration of the SASH-12 involves ensuring that the scale is valid and reliable for the specific population being studied. This process may include:
Reliability Testing: Assessing the internal consistency of the scale using Cronbach’s alpha.
Validity Testing: Evaluating construct validity by correlating SASH-12 scores with other established measures of acculturation.
Cultural Adaptation: Modifying the scale as necessary to fit different Hispanic subgroups (e.g., Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, etc.), taking into account regional linguistic and cultural differences.

Bibliography

Marin, G., Sabogal, F., Marin, B. V., Otero-Sabogal, R., & Perez-Stable, E. J. (1987). Development of a Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 9(2), 183–205.
This paper introduces the original development and validation of the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, providing a comprehensive discussion on its psychometric properties.
Norris, A. E., Ford, K., & Bova, C. A. (1996). Psychometrics of the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 18(1), 29-38.
This study provides a detailed psychometric analysis of the SASH-12, offering insights into its reliability and validity in different Hispanic populations.
Benet-Martínez, V., & Haritatos, J. (2005). Bicultural Identity Integration (BII): Components and Psychosocial Antecedents. Journal of Personality, 73(4), 1015–1050.
This paper explores the concept of bicultural identity integration, which is closely related to acculturation and may offer a deeper understanding of how the SASH-12 can be applied in studies on biculturalism.
Cuéllar, I., Arnold, B., & Maldonado, R. (1995). Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II: A Revision of the Original ARSMA Scale. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 17(3), 275-304.
This article discusses a related acculturation scale, providing a comparative perspective that may be useful in calibrating the SASH-12.