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DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A POLITICAL PARTICIPATION SCALE

ABSTRACT

The article aims to develop and validate a political participation measurement scale. Through a systematic review, a measurement tool was developed based on the observation that existing measures do not encompass the various dimensions of the construct. The instrument underwent initial evaluation by experts and was subsequently tested and validated using data from two distinct samples collected in Mozambique. The data from the first sample were employed to conduct an Exploratory Factor Analysis - EFA, while the data from the second sample were utilized to perform a Confirmatory Factor Analysis - CFA and validate the scale. The CFA confirmed the plausibility of five factors: campaign activity; voting, contact; civic engagement; and protest, while also exhibiting excellent fit indices. The scale demonstrated convergent validity, discriminant validity, and strong internal consistency across the five factors. The developed and validated measurement model comprises 27 indicators of political participation, applicable in any geographical context. Recommendations for employing the scale in future studies concerning citizens’ political engagement were provided.

Keywords:
Scale; Political Engagement; Political Participation; Measurement Model

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