Developing a Measure of Global Mobility
Abstract
Ever-increasing numbers of individuals are traveling globally and little is understood about how living a global lifestyle affects individuals. Most research about the effects of a global lifestyle addresses the experiences of expatriates and third culture kids (TCKs—children of expatriates). However, the experiences of expatriates and TCKs vary widely, and the research lacks a clear way of differentiating and quantifying these global experiences. Additionally, others who have moved domestically or regionally may be affected in similar ways. The present study develops a measure of global mobility that can be used as a standard in quantifying the experiences of those who travel and live in diverse places. The need for a measure of global mobility was developed from the TCK literature. Dimensions of global mobility—Familiarity (with sub-dimensions of International Familiarity, Domestic Familiarity, and Regional Familiarity), Connection, and Separation were defined. Item content was generated and item format was determined. Experts reviewed the items. Validity items were chosen. The items were pilot-tested, analyzed via principal components analysis and Rasch analysis and revised accordingly. Two-hundred-and-twenty-nine items were tested in a sample of over 620 people and again analyzed with principal components analysis and Rasch analysis. Finally, the best items were chosen to create a five scale, 31-item Measure of Global Mobility.
Through principle components a five component structure for the items was revealed, resulting in five scales of global mobility: International Familiarity, Domestic Familiarity, Regional Familiarity, Connection, and Separation. Additionally, through Rasch analysis strong evidence was found to support the structural validity, content validity, substantive validity, and external validity of the measure. The Measure of Global Mobility can now be used as a research tool, but must be scored using Rasch analysis or estimates based on the current conversion rubric until the stability of item measure scores can be established in another sample.
Subject
global mobilitymigration
third culture kid
expatriate
global nomad
mobility
travel
measure
rasch analysis
Citation
Forcey, Sarah Spinella (2016). Developing a Measure of Global Mobility. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /158042.