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Using Rasch Measurement to Evaluate a Perceived Improvement in Access to Financial Asset Scale in Rural Lao PDR

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Abstract

This paper describes the process of evaluating a self-reported perceived improvement in access to finance asset scale. The scale was administered as one component of a livelihood asset scale as part of an evaluation of a humanitarian mine action programme which removed explosive remnants of war from rural communities in Lao PDR. Previous research into developing such scales has mainly used factor analytic techniques. Using an example of a “perceived improvement in access to finance assets scale”, we demonstrate the use of Rasch measurement as a means to validate the psychometric properties of asset scales. The paper illustrates the diagnostic tools and information provided by Rasch measurement, highlighting its benefits as an alternative to factor analytic techniques where rating scales are used. In addition, the paper provides an example of how subjective, experiential understandings of access to assets can complement more objective measures.

Cet article décrit le processus d’évaluation d’une échelle d’auto-déclaration perçue dans l’accès au financement axé sur les actifs. L’échelle a été administrée en tant que composante d’un actif relié aux moyens d’existence, dans le cadre de l’évaluation d’un programme d’action humanitaire contre les mines, qui a supprimé les restes explosifs de la guerre, présents dans les collectivités rurales de la RDP Lao. La recherche précédente sur le développement de telles échelles a principalement utilisé la technique d’analyses de facteurs. En utilisant un exemple d’une « amélioration perçue dans l’accès au financement d’échelle d’actifs » nous démontrons l’utilisation de la mesure Rasch comme moyen de valider les propriétés psychométriques des échelles actifs. Cette recherche illustre les outils de diagnostic et d’informations fournies par la mesure Rasch, mettant en évidence ses avantages comme alternatifs aux techniques d’analyse factorielle, où les échelles de notation sont utilisées. En outre, cette recherche offre un exemple d’une compréhension subjective et expérientielle de l’accès aux actifs, pouvant compléter des mesures plus objectives.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the participants in this study and the National Regulatory Authority of the Lao PDR for their support. We would also like to thank Dr Angela Fielding and Dr Richard Parsons for reading earlier versions of this paper.

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston Road, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

      Jo Durham

    2. Department of Health, Communicable Disease Branch, Level 3, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

      Keith Rickart

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    1. Jo Durham
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    Correspondence to Jo Durham.

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    Jo Durham designed and undertook all aspects of the study. Keith Rickart contrinuted to the analysis, interpretation and the writing of the manuscript. 

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    Durham, J., Rickart, K. Using Rasch Measurement to Evaluate a Perceived Improvement in Access to Financial Asset Scale in Rural Lao PDR. Eur J Dev Res 29, 1053–1069 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-016-0071-2

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