Scale Development and Validation: Methodology and Recommendations

The importance of valid and reliable data and its collection is fundamental to empirical research; however, there remain inconsistent approaches to creating robust scales capable of capturing both valid and reliable data, particularly within international agricultural and extension education contexts. Robust scale development consists of five areas for validation: content, response process, internal structure, external structure, and consequential. The purpose of this guide was to provide methodological recommendations to improve scale development rigor and adoption and to provide a set of functional principles to aid researchers and practitioners interested in capturing data through developed, or adapted, scales. Additionally, the information summarized provide a benchmark upon which to evaluate the rigor and validity of reported scale results. A consistent framework should provide a common lexicon upon which to examine scales and associated results. Proper scale development and validation will help ensure research findings accurately describe intended underlying concepts, particularly within an international agricultural and extension education context. Keywords: scale development, validity, quantitative analysis

Using Non-Probability Sampling Methods in Agricultural and Extension Education Research

Understanding what the public thinks can guide how to target international agricultural and extension education interventions. Public opinion data can also provide insights into how the agricultural and natural resource industry communicates about emerging technologies and practices. However, the use of cellphones and the Internet have greatly reduced response rates to antiquated methods of public opinion data collection and the research world must alter its approach in response. The use of nonprobability sampling techniques has increased dramatically in public opinion research the past five years and more recently within agricultural and extension education research. To keep up with these trends, agricultural and extension education researchers must know the nuance associated with the use of nonprobability sampling techniques and how to mitigate some of the issues that may arise as a result.

An Analysis of Evaluation Methods Implemented in Studies Published in the Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education from 1994 to 2018: A 25 Year Review

Evaluation has been identified as a critical pathway to meet the grand challenges facing agriculture to feed the world. Understanding evaluation models and practices used in articles published in the Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education (JIAEE) allowed us to identify areas of focus, need, and improvement. This content analysis assessed JIAEE articles published from 1994 to 2018 for evaluation methods implemented according to characteristics outlined by Stufflebeam and Coryn (2014). This study initially identified 384 possible articles for consideration. Upon further assessment, 81 articles were identified as maintaining characteristics appropriate for review. Of these articles, the majority (70%) did not specifically identify an evaluation approach, even though 21% of all feature articles published over the past 25 years can be considered an evaluation. Few published evaluation articles specifically identified an evaluation approach; rather, the majority merely described the methods without using evaluation terminology, and the majority of the examined articles did not substantially cite evaluation literature (53%). Additionally, the majority of published evaluation articles were quantitative (56%). Researchers publishing in JIAEE should be assured that qualitative and mixed method evaluation studies are also acceptable. Evaluation studies focused on Stufflebeam and Coryn’s evaluation criteria of feasibility, safety, equity, and probity should be encouraged. Additionally, workshops or training opportunities to advance understanding in evaluation processes and procedures may be valuable.

International Agricultural and Extension Education: Meeting the Unknown Challenges of Tomorrow

The purpose of this paper is to provide philosophical observations and reflections over 25 years of the Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education (JIAEE) as a reader, author, and editor. The paper provides a brief history of JIAEE including changes that occurred over the years. This paper honors those that contributed to JIAEE and stood as its caretakers over the past 25 years. This main body of the paper is divided into three sections: early years, middle years, and contemporary years. The paper explores the development and use of JIAEE keywords and provides visual depictions using wordclouds. The purpose of keywords is discussed and suggestions for future use are provided. Final recommendations and well wishes for the future are provided. Recommendations include: Considering the hiring of a permanent editor or publishing firm such as Taylor & Francis; creating a purposeful research agenda in conjunction with AIAEE; and redressing the developing and use of keywords